The Presidency has issued a formal caution to Sammy Gyamfi, the Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), following a widely debated gesture in which he gifted an $800 cash donation to Nana Agradaa, a controversial figure in Ghanaian religious and media circles.
While many interpreted the gesture as a benevolent act of personal charity, public backlash was swift and intense, with critics citing the move as politically tone-deaf—especially in the wake of President John Mahama’s recent launch of a Code of Conduct aimed at promoting ethics, accountability, and transparency in public office.
After meeting with Chief of Staff Julius Debrah on Monday, the Presidency announced that Mr. Gyamfi would not face suspension or removal from his current role. Instead, he has been cautioned and pardoned. The statement emphasized the importance of public officials exercising sound judgment and being sensitive to the optics of their actions in an environment where public trust in politics remains fragile.
“While his intention may not have been malicious, Mr. Gyamfi must understand that every action by a political figure is subject to scrutiny in today’s climate,” a senior government source noted. “Given the baggage from the previous administration, where officials were accused of rampant corruption, any act—however charitable—that blurs ethical lines could undermine public confidence in this administration.”
Sammy Gyamfi’s role at GoldBod has been described by insiders as instrumental in helping Ghana stabilize the cedi through strengthened gold export frameworks. His leadership at the newly established regulatory body is credited with formalizing artisanal mining and increasing foreign exchange inflows. For many, his work in this area made the decision to pardon him a matter of national interest as much as political discipline.
Still, political analysts and civil society organizations caution that benevolence must not override perception. “Ghanaians are watching closely,” said Dr. Anita Mensah, a governance analyst. “Any misstep now could easily be interpreted as a return to the impunity of the past. Mr. Gyamfi must learn from this and be far more observant when acting in his private or public capacity.”The incident is a critical reminder to all public servants: good intentions must be matched with good judgment—especially in a country still healing from years of mistrust in its political leadership.
