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Sammy Gyamfi's dollar donation saga far from over and here is why
Sammy Gyamfi's dollar donation saga far from over and here is why
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 3 mins read
The controversy surrounding a dollar cash gift from the acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, to Evangelist Patricia Oduro Koranteng, popularly known as Agradaa, continues to intensify — with fresh scrutiny from top anti-corruption institutions.
The Minority in Parliament, determined to hold Mr. Gyamfi accountable, filed a petition on Thursday, May 15, urging both the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the incident. Reports indicate that the caucus is also considering petitioning the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
According to the Minority, Mr. Gyamfi’s actions may violate multiple statutes, including the presidential Code of Conduct, the Foreign Exchange Act, and the Currency Act.
A spokesperson for the group, while addressing journalists, questioned the source and legality of the dollar donation:
“We want to find out the source of this money. Where did Mr Sammy Gyamfi get this sum of money that he doesn’t have Ghana cedis and he can put his hands in his bag and bring alleged $10,000 and dash to somebody?”
He further added,
“We want them to investigate whether the said currency forms part of public or institutional fund entrusted into Sammy Gyamfi’s hands as the acting CEO for Ghana Gold Board.”
“We also want to know whether there is a potential conflict of interest and abuse of office.”
The incident, captured in a viral video on May 11, shows Agradaa requesting dollar notes from Mr. Gyamfi. He is then seen handing over bundles of cash, which the evangelist gleefully displayed to her audience. The clip triggered an immediate backlash and prompted public calls for accountability.
In response to the uproar, Evangelist Patricia Asiedua Asiamah announced plans to return the money, as the gesture sparked deeper concerns about ethics and public office conduct.
Sammy Gyamfi, meanwhile, issued an apology on the social media platform X, explaining that his donation was rooted in a personal tradition of giving:
“I genuinely believed this act of kindness was done in private and never imagined it would end up in the public domain. It’s truly unfortunate and regrettable.”
Despite the apology, Mr. Gyamfi was summoned before the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, on Monday for questioning over the matter. Government Communications Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed the meeting and acknowledged that the CEO had been officially cautioned.
“In the immediate aftermath of the video, Mr Sammy Gyamfi promptly issued an apology in which he expressed regret over the matter,” the minister stated during a press briefing on May 14.
He further elaborated on the position of the Presidency:
“The view is that, the Presidency acknowledges Mr Sammy Gyamfi's immediate act of contrition and the acknowledgement of the need to express regret over that incident.”
“You'd recall that when President Mahama launched the Code of Conduct, he said that one of the remedies for any potential breach was a public apology. He also said one of the remedies was a caution from the highest office. After the interaction with the Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff cautioned him, having acknowledged the apology he made. He impressed on him to take public sentiments and act in ways that reflect public sentiment.”
The government, however, does not plan to take any punitive action against him.
“The presidency does not believe that any further action ought to be taken,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said.
Not everyone believes the incident warrants disciplinary action. Madina MP, Francis-Xavier Sosu, came to Mr. Gyamfi’s defense in a Facebook post on May 12, describing the backlash as unwarranted:
“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,” the legislator added.
Meanwhile, Eric Dumenu Akatsi, a private citizen who had earlier petitioned CHRAJ over the same incident, formally withdrew his petition on May 14.
“I am writing to formally withdraw the petition I submitted on 13th May, 2025, with reference number 122/12/BL.12 regarding the instances of corruption against Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of the Ghana Gold Board. After careful consideration, I have decided that it is in the best interest to withdraw this petition,” he noted.
But with the Minority’s petition now before both CID and CHRAJ — and the possibility of a third petition to the Special Prosecutor — the saga is clearly far from over.
