Dr. Kabiru Mahama, Member of Parliament for Walewale and a member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, has issued a stern rebuke to Sammy Gyamfi, acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), over his controversial handling of US dollars within Ghana’s borders.
The criticism follows a widely publicized incident where Gyamfi was seen gifting US dollars to self-styled evangelist Nana Agradaa at a funeral ground, an act that has ignited public outrage and political debate.
Speaking on JoyNews’ program The Pulse monitored by Kumasimail, Dr. Mahama expressed deep regret that a public official of Gyamfi’s stature would flagrantly disregard Ghana’s foreign currency laws.
“The fact that a public official feels entitled to keep and transact in US dollars domestically reveals a troubling disrespect for the laws of our country,”
He emphasized that Ghana’s currency regulations are explicit, stressing foreign currency transactions must be conducted strictly through authorized banks, and only under specific circumstances such as verified international travel or legitimate offshore payments.
Dr. Mahama elaborated on the legal framework, referencing Section 15 of the Forex Exchange Act, which permits foreign currency dealings only through regulated channels.
“If Mr. Gyamfi needed dollars for an international transaction, the law mandates that such payments be processed through banks. Even travelers are limited to carrying a maximum of $10,000, subject to declaration and proof of travel. Any amount beyond this must be declared and transferred via official wire channels,” he explained.
He added “By circumventing these rules, Mr. Gyamfi not only violates the law but also undermines the integrity of our financial system.”
Dr. Mahama expressed a personal note of sympathy for Gyamfi as a young public servant.
“As a person, I feel sorry for Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, a young man. I would have loved for him not to have gotten himself involved in this. With all sincerity, I have no issue whatsoever against him, but the law is the law”, he remarked.
The incident has sparked a nationwide conversation about ethical governance and fiscal responsibility, especially at a time when Ghana faces significant economic challenges including inflation and currency instability.
The viral footage of Gyamfi handing out bundles of US dollars to Nana Agradaa has been widely condemned as an act of “financial recklessness” and “arrogance,” damaging public trust in government officials.
In response to the backlash, Gyamfi issued a public apology, describing the dollar gifting as a private gesture of goodwill.
However, opposition lawmakers and civil society groups have called for his immediate suspension and a full investigation into the source and legality of the funds.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
