The AfriKan Continental Union Consult (ACUC), a think-tank in African good governance, has called for the resignation of Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), over a viral dollar donation video.
The viral video, which has drawn massive disapproval from the public, shows Mr. Gyamfi counting and giving some undisclosed amount of foreign currency to Madam Patricia Oduro Koranteng, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, a self-proclaimed evangelist.
Dr. Benjamin Anyagre Aziginaateeg, the Chief Executive Officer of the ACUC, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in a reaction that Mr. Gyamfi, who is also the Communication Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), must resign or be dismissed from office by the president if the public misconduct is proven to be true.
Dr. Aziginaateeg said the video was an affront and disregard to Ghana’s image and a dent on the office of the president, especially when President John Dramani Mahama just launched a code of conduct for government office holders.
“This is a test case; let’s face it squarely, as a huge measurement for good governance, indeed, what a test case for the President,” he stressed, adding that “He should resign because he has lost it. The resetting must begin with good attitudinal behaviours of people in power.”
He further questioned what moral right the government would have to talk about corruption and other related issues, especially when the giveaway was not in local currency and it involved the CEO of a mineral-related board.
According to the ACUC CEO, the resident risks becoming unpopular within days if he does not walk the code of conduct, suggesting that within six months, the president should do a review of the performance of the government appointee.
“He cannot disappoint the Ghanaian with his richly accumulated experiences. He will be hated more than for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo if he remains soft,” he said.
He further added that governments must have clear ideologies and adequate preparation of their officers before assumption of duty, as without that, the government might fail right from the beginning.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gyamfi has since apologised to Ghanaians and the president for the content of the viral video, clarifying that, “this was simply a kind gesture to a fellow human being, in line with my daily and lifelong custom of lending a helping hand to people in need. I sincerely thought that I was doing this act of kindness in private and never imagined that same could find its way into the public space.”
He added in a post on X.
Mr. Gyamfi wrote, “That is unfortunate and regrettable. I must say that I understand the uproar that this gesture has generated, particularly from comrades who are sincerely hurt by the same. To all such comrades, I AM SINCERELY SORRY for this unfortunate act of indiscretion. I respect and appreciate your views.”
Source: GNA
