Gov’t Pledges Action on Sammy Gyamfi’s Controversial Dollar Gift to Nana Agradaa

The Ghanaian government has vowed to address public concerns with “utmost seriousness” following a viral video showing Sammy Gyamfi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), gifting US dollar notes to Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa. The incident, which has sparked widespread criticism, has prompted calls for accountability and raised questions about ethical conduct among public officials.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister in charge of Government Communications, assured the public during a Citi FM interview that the government is committed to upholding high governance standards. “We take on board the concerns that the public has raised,” he stated, emphasizing a departure from the “free fall” of the previous NPP administration. The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, summoned Gyamfi on May 12, 2025, to explain the circumstances surrounding the transaction, which some critics argue violates Ghana’s Foreign Exchange Act, Anti-Money Laundering Act, and the recently launched Code of Conduct for Public Officials.
The video, widely circulated on social media, shows Gyamfi handing over an undisclosed sum of US dollars to Agradaa, a polarizing figure known for her transition from fetish priestess to self-styled evangelist. Agradaa defended the gesture, claiming she requested $800 for fuel and framing it as a “divine blessing.” She urged National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters not to criticize Gyamfi, stating, “The Bible says you should not covet your neighbour’s blessings—always tap into somebody’s blessings.”
Gyamfi issued a public apology on May 11, 2025, describing the act as a private gesture of kindness that was not intended for public consumption. “I sincerely thought I was doing this act of kindness in private, and never imagined it could find its way into the public space,” he wrote on social media, expressing regret for the controversy.
The Minority in Parliament, led by NPP members, has demanded Gyamfi’s immediate suspension, labeling the act “financial recklessness” and a “betrayal of public trust.” Dr. Kabiru Tia Mahama, MP for Walewale, argued that the incident undermines efforts to stabilize the Ghanaian cedi, which recently appreciated from GHS 14.15 to GHS 13.14 against the US dollar as of May 9, 2025. The NPP has further called for Gyamfi’s interdiction and an investigation by state criminal authorities, citing breaches of multiple laws.
Public sentiment remains divided. While some, like MP Prof. Titus Beyuo, argue Gyamfi did not breach the Code of Conduct, others, including prominent figures like Mary Awelana Addah of Transparency International Ghana, have urged President John Dramani Mahama to act decisively to uphold anti-corruption commitments.
President Mahama is expected to be fully briefed upon his return to Ghana, with further action to be determined. T