The Minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Parliament has called for immediate sanctions against Sammy Gyamfi, National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, following a viral video showing him handing out bundles of US dollars to self-styled evangelist Patricia Oduro, popularly known as Nana Agradaa.
At a press conference in Parliament on Monday, Walewale MP Hon. Abdul-Kabiru Tiah condemned the act as ‘a symbol of arrogance and disdain’ toward Ghanaians struggling with economic hardship.
“This is a betrayal of public trust. While ordinary citizens endure cedi depreciation and inflation, a government appointee is carelessly distributing foreign currency. This undermines efforts to stabilize our economy,” Dr. Tiah declared
Government silence
The Minority slammed the government’s silence on the matter, accusing Sammy Gyamfi of violating: The Foreign Exchange Act (2006, Act 723); The Currency Act (1964, Act 242); and President Mahama’s own Code of Conduct for public officials.
“Dealing in forex without a license is illegal. Even possessing and distributing foreign currency without authorization is an offense. Sammy Gyamfi has spat on the President’s directive to avoid opulence. Will Mahama walk the talk?” Hon. Tiah questioned.
Tax evasion
Sammy Gyamfi claimed the money was a ‘gift’ to Agradaa, but the Minority demanded the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) investigate, as gifts above a certain threshold attract a 25%–30% tax.
“If this was truly a gift, Agradaa must file a tax return within 21 days. The GRA must act, or public trust will erode further,” the Walewale MP warned.
The Minority issued three demands against the government and these include: Immediate suspension of Sammy Gyamfi as Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board; Full investigation into the source and legality of the dollars; and a public apology from the Presidency.
“Sammy Gyamfi represents this government, and his actions expose its true character—wasteful, unaccountable, and dangerous,” Dr. Tiah charged and warned that Parliament will not stay silent over the matter especially the Minority Caucus.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com