Ernest Kofi Owusu Bempah, Deputy National Communications Director of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has defended Sammy Gyamfi, Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, amid controversy over a viral video showing Gyamfi giving a cash gift to self-styled evangelist Nana Agradaa.
Owusu Bempah claimed that some officials in the previous NPP government used to secretly spend as much as $50,000 on women, contrasting this with the current uproar over Gyamfi’s gesture.
Speaking on Accra-based NET2 TV, he said, “We know people in the NPP who used to spray $50,000 on ladies behind the scenes. He who comes with equity must come with clean hands. The noise about Sammy Gyamfi’s gift is dead on arrival. No one has the moral right to attack him over this matter.”
He challenged critics to present evidence if they believe Gyamfi has stolen public funds.
Owusu Bempah asserted “If anyone has evidence that he has stolen money, they should bring it forward for the Special Prosecutor to take it up”.
The controversy erupted after a video circulated showing Gyamfi handing what appeared to be several US dollar bills to Nana Agradaa, who then flaunted the cash publicly.
This act has been criticized as potentially violating President John Dramani Mahama’s recently launched Code of Conduct for Public Officials, which emphasizes integrity and transparency.
Following the backlash, Gyamfi issued an unqualified apology on Sunday, May 11, describing his gesture as “unfortunate” and “regrettable.”
He explained that the gift was a personal act of kindness, not intended for public display, and expressed regret for the negative reaction it caused among his colleagues and the public.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has summoned Gyamfi to explain the circumstances surrounding the cash gift. The meeting aims to uphold the government’s commitment to integrity among public officials, especially in light of the new Code of Conduct.
Despite the apology, anti-corruption advocates and some public members, including the Minority caucus in Parliament, have called for Gyamfi’s suspension, citing concerns over transparency and ethical standards in public office.
Source : www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
