Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi to be more receptive to criticism, insisting that opposition concerns are about the Board’s operations and not a personal attack on his character.
The legislator’s appeal comes amid heightened scrutiny of GoldBod and growing controversy over social media claims linking a businessman identified as Dominic Bonsu to the CEO’s security detail – allegations that Mr Gyamfi has firmly rejected as part of a coordinated disinformation campaign.
Speaking on Accra-based Metro TV, the Minority Leader made it clear that neither he nor former Deputy Finance Minister Abena Osei Asare harboured any ill will towards the GoldBod CEO despite recent political disagreements over the institution’s operations.
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“NPP, nobody hates you. Abena Osei Asare doesn’t hate you. I don’t hate you. We want the best for you,” Mr Afenyo-Markin stated.
The Minority Leader stressed that the opposition’s scrutiny is directed at GoldBod’s activities rather than Mr Gyamfi personally, urging the CEO not to personalise disagreements over the management of the institution.
The controversy erupted after claims circulated on social media alleging that GH¢200 million belonging to GoldBod had been taken by a businessman identified as Dominic Bonsu, who was also alleged to have served as part of Mr Sammy Gyamfi’s security detail.
Speaking on X Spaces on Sunday, August 9, the GoldBod CEO categorically denied any connection between his bodyguards and gold trading or the alleged loss of state funds.
“None of my bodyguards is involved in gold trading, and none of my bodyguards has stolen or taken Gold Board money,” Mr Gyamfi declared.
He further denied that Mr Bonsu had served as his bodyguard, clarifying that his understanding was that Mr Bonsu was a licensed gold dealer and an executive of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the constituency level in the Manso area of the Ashanti Region.
GoldBod has separately rejected the allegation of a GH¢200 million loss and the claim that Mr Bonsu was a former bodyguard to the CEO.
Mr Afenyo-Markin cautioned Mr Sammy Gyamfi against allowing political allies or media personalities to attack those who raise legitimate questions about GoldBod’s operations.
“Some of the people you think are your friends today, that you deploy to attack us merely for questioning certain actions at GoldBod may not be there for you tomorrow,” he warned.
The Minority Leader urged the GoldBod CEO to take time to consider the issues raised by the opposition and provide thoughtful answers rather than responding with attacks.
“So, take it easy. When we raise issues, take your time and respond. Don’t come and attack us. Don’t engage others to attack us because we criticise GoldBod,” he advised.
In a pointed reminder, Mr Afenyo-Markin recalled Mr Gyamfi’s conduct while the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was in opposition, suggesting that his experience should make him more tolerant of criticism now that he occupies a senior public office.
“You were very loud when you were in opposition. You raised critical issues. You were the loudest in opposition,” he said.
According to the Minority Leader, this background should equip Mr Gyamfi with a certain level of tolerance to even listen to the issues the opposition raises.
Mr Afenyo-Markin further argued that some of the issues being raised about GoldBod were not simply political accusations made by the opposition.
He claimed that some of the concerns had also been raised in reports by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other institutions he described as credible.
“Most of the issues you raise are issues that have been reported by IMF, by institutions that are credible,” he stated.
The Minority Leader appealed to the GoldBod CEO not to personalise disagreements over the management of the institution, urging collaborative engagement instead.
“So please, don’t take it personally. Let’s work together, let’s understand the issues,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.
He also warned Mr Sammy Gyamfi that concerns dismissed today could become problematic in the future, cautioning that individuals who currently defend him in the media may not necessarily remain supportive.
“When we raise them, take note, because one day, some of these things may come back and haunt you,” he cautioned.
“And maybe a media person that is supporting you today may not be there for you tomorrow,” he added.