Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, appears to have his job on the line following a viral video of him giving an undisclosed amount of United States (US) dollars to Patricia Oduro Koranteng, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, a former fetish priestess turned evangelist.

Calls for President John Dramani Mahama to take action against Sammy Gyamfi, who is also the National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have been followed by a summons of the CEO by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah.

According to reports, the Chief of Staff wants the Goldbod CEO to explain the circumstances surrounding his action, which has drawn disenchantment against the government and raised concerns about the ethical conduct of public officials.

But has Sammy Gyamfi, who would be leading what some have described as the biggest state-owned agency of the current government, violated the Code of Conduct which was launched literally days ago by President John Mahama?

What the Code of Conduct says about giving a gift:

Sammy Gyamfi, in an apology he posted on social media, explained that he was only helping a person in need, as he has been doing.

Sections of the Code of Conduct perhaps touch on public officers receiving gifts and giving out hampers, including gifts.

Section 1.5.12 of the Code of Conduct, which touches on “Gifts,” bars public officers from soliciting “gifts in cash or kind” in the line of their duties. It, however, states that the “exchange of gifts” is permissible because “refusing such a gift may cause offence.”

The code, however, states that gifts received by public officers must be submitted to the Secretary to the Cabinet.

“a. The Minister must submit any gift received, in Ghana or from overseas, to the Secretary to Cabinet for appropriate display;

b. Where the Minister wishes to retain gifts received, he may do so only if the estimated value does not exceed GH¢20,000;

c. Where the estimated value of the gift is more than GH¢20,000, the Minister may retain the gift during office but must declare it to Cabinet in the interest of transparency;

d. Upon leaving office, the Minister must relinquish to Cabinet any gift estimated to be worth over GH¢20,000, unless the Minister obtains the express permission of the President to retain it,” part of the code reads.

Section 1.5.13 of the Code of Conduct, which is titled “Hampers,” also bars public officials from giving out gifts using government funds, including internally generated funds.

“For government entities that must distribute hampers as part of their corporate commercial policy, express written permission for the budgeted expenditure must be received from the Office of the Chief of Staff,” it adds.

From the face of the regulations of the 2025 Code of Conduct, Sammy Gyamfi may be in the league of ‘having done no wrong.’

From the analysis, he has not received any gift in the line of his duties as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Gold Board, and which he has refused to disclose to the Secretary of Cabinet, nor has it been proven that the dollars he gave to Agradaa were state funds or part of the internally generated funds of the board.

But why has his action caused the government discontent, with many calling for his head?

What the legal experts have said

Even though Sammy Gyamfi’s actions appear not to have violated any of the regulations stated in the 2025 Code of Conduct, a number of legal experts, including Zakaria Tanko, lawyer and senior lecturer at UNIMAC-GIJ, have said that his action was wrong.

He said that even though the acting CEO’s action might not directly violate any listed regulation of the 2025 Code of Conduct, his action violates the principle behind it.

He added that it would be wrong to say that Sammy Gyamfi has done nothing wrong without looking at the entire purpose for the establishment of the Code of Conduct.

“The preamble to the Code of Conduct, the president gave in his message… says, ‘This Code of Conduct clearly states my expectation of a government of integrity, honesty, impartiality, respect, decency, incorruptibility, competency, professionalism.’

“… this is where it is very crucial ‘and standards of conduct that can withstand the closest public scrutiny.’ This is very crucial. Sometimes, what you are doing might ordinarily not be anything, but what will the ordinary person say if he is asked a question (about this)?” he said.

Zakaria Tanko also explained that even though the Code of Conduct does not categorically state that the giving of gifts by public officials is wrong, it is implied.

“It is implied. If you are giving, it takes a giver for somebody to receive. And even in the Criminal Code, the giver and the taker are all culpable,” he said.

Others have also argued that the action of Sammy Gyamfi goes contrary to President John Dramani Mahama’s caution to his appointees to avoid the public display of opulence and must be punished.

“The hallmark of this government will be modesty and respect for the Ghanaian people. Resources that you’ll be working with belong to the Ghanaian people who put us in office. Those resources are not to be wasted on opulence and extravagance. Also, all traces of affluence and lavish lifestyle are to be avoided,” President Mahama is quoted to have said.

For many others, Sammy Gyamfi being caught in public dishing out quite a huge amount of dollars does no good to President Mahama’s objective of a government with no trace of affluence and lavish lifestyle.

BAI/AE

You can also watch the latest Twi news on GhanaWeb TV below:

The Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has taken to social media in defence of the acting Ghana Gold Board CEO, Sammy Gyamfi, following growing public backlash over a controversial dollar gift to self-styled evangelist and former fetish priestess, Patricia Oduro Koranteng, popularly known as Nana Agradaa.

The incident, captured in a viral video, shows Mr Gyamfi handing over dollar notes to Nana Agradaa, a gesture that has sparked widespread public criticism and raised concerns about the conduct of public officeholders. 

The footage has sparked a firestorm on social media, with critics questioning the appropriateness of such a gesture, particularly under the current economic climate.

Mr Gyamfi has since apologised for the incident. Nonetheless, he has been summoned by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, over the matter.

Read also: Chief of Staff summons Sammy Gyamfi over viral cash gift to Agradaa

In a post shared on Facebook on May 12, the Madina MP posted a message aimed at detractors, insisting that Gyamfi had done nothing wrong.

“It is well. You committed no crime. The haters are hurt. They can’t believe that God can lift and bless you such that you can become a blessing unto others. Leave them – let them do their worst. We got you. God has your back. Stay focused and blessed,” Mr Sosu wrote.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Captain Nkrabea Effah Darteh (RTD) is a former Member of Parliament for Berekum,

A former Member of Parliament for Berekum, Captain Nkrabea Effah Darteh (RTD), has raised concerns over what he describes as a serious constitutional breach involving President John Dramani Mahama and his Vice President, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

He claims that their joint absence from the country on Mother’s Day without properly handing over authority to the Speaker of Parliament violates Ghana’s constitution.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on Monday, May 12, 2025, Effah Darteh argued that the absence of the country’s top two leaders should have been accompanied by a formal process to empower the Speaker to act in their stead.

He stressed that without such a measure, governance is left in a constitutional vacuum.

“Honestly and sincerely, to be faithful to the law, if the president is not available and the vice president is also not around, and if the Chief Justice did not officially swear the Speaker in to act in their absence, then there is a very serious breach of the constitution,” he stated.

Effah Darte emphasised the importance of adhering strictly to the constitution to maintain order and continuity in governance.

He stressed that such oversight could set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.

The former MP insisted that the nation deserves clarity on who was in charge during the absence of both the president and his vice.

According to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, Article 60(11) stipulates that the Speaker of Parliament shall act as President when both the President and Vice President are unable to perform their duties. However, this must follow a formal swearing-in by the Chief Justice.

MRA/AE

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:

Catherine Abelema Afeku addressing the gathering

A former Member of Parliament (MP) for Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira Constituency in the Western Region, Catherine Abelema Afeku has officially declared her intention to contest the National Women’s Organiser position of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) come the next national officers’ election of the party.

See More ❯

L-R: Cecilia Dapaah, Sammy Gyamfi and Victoria Hammah

Throughout Ghana’s political history, numerous scandals that have rocked politicians have captured national attention and dominated public discourse, largely due to the seriousness and far-reaching implications of some of these incidents.

One such category of scandals involves foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar, which has often sparked intense public debate and scrutiny.

While some of these political scandals fade quickly without attracting significant public scrutiny, others, like those relating to the US dollar stand out as exceptions — often persisting in national conversation for extended periods, prompting official sanctions, and in more serious cases, resulting in the dismissal of those complicit in such matters.

This GhanaWeb article takes a look at some of these scandals relating to foreign currencies.

Sammy Gyamfi

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board and National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has made headlines after gifting an amount of about $800 dollars to fetish priestess-turned-pastor Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa.

In a video shared on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Gyamfi was seen standing beside his Range Rover, taking a photo with Nana Agradaa, who had her arm around him while locked in a brief conversation.

In the video at the center of the controversy, Nana Agradaa is heard making a remark to Sammy Gyamfi, prompting him to open the back door of a vehicle. He then sits down and begins counting several US dollar bills before handing a portion of the money to her.

However, Agradaa, seemingly unsatisfied, reaches out and grabs all the notes from Gyamfi’s hands.

She walks away, flaunting the dollar bills to bystanders, boldly declaring, “I have taken dollars from Sammy Gyamfi.”

The NDC stalwart has since come under intense backlash from the public with some calling for his dismissal.

Cecilia Dapaah

Another notable example of a scandal involving foreign currency is the case of former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who came under intense public scrutiny in 2023 following revelations of a reported theft at her Abelemkpe residence.

According to media reports, two house helps allegedly stole significant sums — including one million US dollars, as well as undisclosed amounts in euros and Ghana cedis — over the course of their employment.

Official charge sheets further indicated that, beyond the cash, the accused also made away with personal belongings belonging to Madam Dapaah, including luxury clothing, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry. The value of the stolen non-cash items was reportedly estimated at GH¢95,000 and US$95,000 — figures that shocked many and raised questions about the source and safekeeping of such large sums of money in a private residence.

Amid intense public scrutiny and mounting allegations of corruption, Cecilia Abena Dapaah tendered her resignation from office. In her resignation letter, she stated that her decision was motivated by a desire to protect the government from further reputational damage, as the controversy surrounding the stolen funds had begun to cast a shadow over the administration’s image and integrity.

Victoria Lakshmi Hammah

A former Deputy Minister of Communications, Victoria Hammah, became the focus of national attention in 2013 after an audio recording leaked in which she allegedly stated that she would not leave politics until she had made one million US dollars.

In the recording, believed to be a private conversation with another woman, Hammah spoke candidly about her motivations for entering politics, her perceived influence within government, and the role of the Lithurs in the then-NDC administration.

The controversy generated significant public backlash and ultimately led to her dismissal from office by then-President John Dramani Mahama.

Some of the things the recording purports she said included the following “…I understand politics very well, if I haven’t made a million dollars I wouldn’t go and attack people. If you have money, then you can control over people.”

MAG/VPO

‘Where did you get the dollars?’ Watch as Opambour questions Sammy Gyamfi

Veteran actor Koo Ofori has been granted bail in the case

Veteran actor, Samuel Karikari, popularly known as Koo Ofori, has been granted bail following his arrest for allegedly defrauding a US-based Ghanaian.

During court proceedings on Monday, May 12, 2025, the presiding judge at the Dansoman District Court granted the veteran actor bail in the sum of GH¢320,000.

As part of his bail conditions, Koo Ofori is to provide three sureties, all to be justified, and is also to deposit his Ghana Card with the clerk of the court.

He is also to report to the police once every week, on Mondays.

The case was adjourned to June 25, 2025, for a Case Management Conference.

The veteran actor, who is well known for the role he played in the hit TV series, Efiewura, was arrested for allegedly defrauding a US-based Ghanaian of $50,000.

According to reports by Kasoa-based Obaatanpa Radio, the victim, who resides in California, transferred the funds to Koo Ofori under the belief that it was for a legitimate investment opportunity.

However, it has been alleged that Koo Ofori absconded with the money, failing to fulfil any investment commitments.

Further reports stated that Koo Ofori defaulted on payments and failed to appear before the Dansoman District Court on April 17, 2025, according to court documents sighted.

This non-appearance led to the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest, and he was scheduled to appear in court on May 9, 2025.

Videos shared by Accra-based Atinka FM also showed Koo Ofori being led in handcuffs to the courthouse by a police officer, during his arrest days ago.

However, the court did not convene on that day, with the case rescheduled for May 12, 2025.

Watch videos from the court below:

BAI/AE

Aggrieved members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Asawasi Constituency in the Ashanti region have objected to the President’s nomination of one Ben Abdallah as the Municipal Chief Executive for Asokore Mampong.

Suleiman Bin Masud, Member of the Constituency Communication Team at a press conference, a day after the names of the nominee popped-up, stressed that the Branch Executives and grassroots of the party in the Constituency do not know Ben Abdalla.

See More ❯

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to instilling discipline and leadership in National Service personnel through structured military-style training.

Speaking on The Probe, Mr Opare Addo disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) has been signed between the National Service Authority and the Ghana Armed Forces as part of efforts to enhance the capacity of graduates during their service year.

The initiative, he explained, aligns with the ruling NDC’s “Resetting the Nation” agenda, a key pillar of the party’s 2024 campaign. “If you aspire to become a global leader, discipline must be at the core of your personal development,” the Minister stated. “And what better institution exemplifies discipline than the military? This training is meant to prepare young people, especially those who want to assume leadership roles, with the right mindset and understanding of what leadership demands.”

He clarified that the programme is not intended to be physically rigorous military training, but rather a mindset reorientation aimed at instilling values of discipline, resilience, and leadership among the youth.

“We’re not putting them through boot camp,” he said. “It’s about reconditioning how they think, preparing them mentally for the professional world.”

Mr Opare Addo also addressed concerns over allowances, noting that no additional payments would be made for participation in the training.

“National Service personnel are already paid monthly allowances,” he explained. “If, during their one-year service, they spend two weeks or even two months in capacity-building programmes, they still receive their regular pay. So, there’s no justification for extra allowances.”

He further emphasised that service postings are determined by the National Service Scheme based on qualifications and national needs, not personal preference. “You don’t choose where you want to serve,” he stressed. “The scheme assigns you where your skills are needed most.”

The military-led training programme is expected to be rolled out as part of a broader strategy to shape the mindset and professional readiness of Ghana’s future workforce.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Chairman of the Akosombo Dam Spillage Committee, Kirk Koffi, has urged the government to conduct a comprehensive audit to ascertain the damage caused by the spillage in 2023, which displaced over 40,000 people at Mepe in the Volta Region and use it as a guide to compensate victims.

Speaking in an interview with TV3 on May 11, 2025, Koffi outlined the recommendations of the committee intended to prevent a recurrence of the disaster.

He indicated that the issue of compensation came up strongly during their discourse with indigenes and community heads.

The committee has consequently called for a detailed audit to assess the widespread destruction caused to guide the compensation plan.

“During the committee’s discussion with people in the affected communities, the issue of compensation was vehemently reiterated. The committee strongly recommends that the government provide adequate compensation to the affected communities upstream and downstream, which are predominantly made up of farmers, fishermen and businesses.

“This particular recommendation is very pertinent to the people in the affected communities. In addition, the government should audit all damaged properties and loss of livelihoods to enable them to distribute compensation adequately as outlined in the budget of 2025,” the report partly stated.

In a related development, a report by myjoyonline.com on May 11, 2025, has indicated that relevant authorities have developed guidelines for compensation aimed at offering relief to affected families and neighbouring communities.

Below are the recommendations of the committee:

1. Establishing a Controlled Spillage Floodplain:

To minimise the impact of future controlled spillages from the Akosombo Dam, a designated floodplain should be delineated to accommodate spill discharges of up to 497,936cfs (14,100m3/s), i.e., a 1:50-year flood in the short term to medium term in response to climate change uncertainties and 1:100 years, i.e. 540,313cfs (15,300m3/s), in the Long Term. Resilience improvement projects should consider critical public infrastructure upgrades located in the floodplain, e.g., Sogakope bridge, hospitals, etc. A resettlement plan should be considered for all people and properties located in the floodplain. A Legislative Instrument for the downstream floodplain (contour line) is required to prevent inhabitants from settling or building in that floodplain.

2. Enhance Emergency Preparedness:

Establish and regularly update comprehensive disaster preparedness plans locally, referencing the VRA’s Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP). Simplify the EPP to make it user-friendly by adopting strategies to interpret it in infographics and using local languages in its communication.

3. High Turnover and Divisions Amongst Political Appointees:

Create a collaborative task force comprising MCEs, MPs and stakeholders to focus on disaster preparedness. Implement a conflict resolution process, such as mediation or facilitation, to address disagreements constructively and establish accountability measures, such as public reports on disaster preparedness efforts, to hold leaders responsible for their efforts in disaster management.

4. Improve Communication:

Develop clear communication channels to ensure the timely dissemination of information regarding flood risks and response measures.

5. Resourcing of NADMO and District Assemblies:

Provide adequate funding for district assemblies. In addition, Emergency response centres should be provided with backup systems and stockpiles of essentials to respond to disasters.

6. Lack of Localised Emergency Preparedness Plan in most districts:

Organise regular drills and simulations to practice emergency response procedures secure funding and resources to support developing and implementing localised EPPs and updating Disaster Management Plans.

7. Strengthen Community Engagement:

Improve community education programs and education curricula in schools to raise awareness about future flood risks and the importance of adhering to building regulations in flood- prone areas.

8. Implementing Engineering Solutions for Flood Management:

Engineering solutions can be employed along the downstream catchment area to enhance flood management by improving the capacity to regulate water flow and mitigate the impact of controlled spillages on downstream communities. These solutions can increase water conveyance efficiency and enhance the river system’s ability to accommodate excess water without severe inundation, e.g., Mepe.

9. Delineation of floodplains:

Delineate floodplains by improving vegetative cover with identifiable plantations, i.e., mangrove (downstream), use of concrete pillars or bamboo plantation (upstream & downstream)

10. Safe Havens Management:

Develop multipurpose structures on high grounds that can be used as classrooms or town halls in the affected communities and easily reconfigured as safe havens when needed. Offer psychological support services to help residents cope with the stress of displacement and promote community cohesion. Establish channels for residents to provide feedback on their experience and suggest improvements for the safe haven.

11. Compensation:

During the Committee’s discussion with people in the affected communities, the issue of compensation was vehemently reiterated. The Committee strongly recommends that the government provide adequate compensation to the affected communities upstream and downstream, which are predominantly made up of farmers, fishermen and businesses. This particular recommendation is very pertinent to the people in the affected communities. In addition, the Government should audit all damaged properties and loss of livelihoods to enable them to distribute compensation adequately as outlined in the budget of 2025.

12. Procedure for payment of compensation:

An account should be opened for each affected district, and funds for compensation should be deposited. A “Claims Office” for the disbursement of the funds should also be set up to receive data on the affected flood victims who are eligible for compensation. The Ministry of Finance shall be the supervisory body and shall work with the Member of Parliament (MP) and the District Assembly of the affected community in the disbursement of monies meant for compensation. Third parties such as the Chiefs, Queen mothers and opinion leaders in the affected communities may be needed to confirm certain claims made by the affected people. The signatories to the account are to be the Ministry of Finance and either the MP or the DCE.

VPO/AE

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:

New Patriotic Party (NPP) communicator Eric Debie is intensifying pressure on Energy Minister John Jinapor, calling for his arrest over the unresolved issue of missing containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

Debie, speaking on Wontumi TV, expressed dismay at what he described as a lack of accountability and transparency from the Minister, who had earlier promised to retrieve the containers within a month.

See More ❯

By Iddi Yire

Accra, May 12, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has extended happy Mothers’ Day wish to all the tireless mothers working to build a better future for their children.  

In a statement issued to mark this year’s International Mothers’ Day, President Mahama acknowledged that many mothers encounter various challenges, yet their resilience inspires their children and others in the community. 

“As we celebrate our mothers today, let us renew our commitment to building a Ghana where every mother and child has the opportunity to thrive,” he said. 

He noted that from access to quality healthcare and education to economic empowerment, the government would prioritise policies that uplift mothers, women, and families.  

“Let’s all take a moment to appreciate the incredible women who nurtured us,” he said. 

“To my wife, Lordina, Vice President Naana Jane, and all mothers, thank you.” 

GNA  

BM