The ongoing controversy involving Goldbod CEO Sammy Gyamfi during Mahama’s second administration has drawn a response from a former Mahama appointee who faced severe consequences over similar dollar-related matters.
What may seem like ordinary currency for transactions, whether $1 million in whispers or bundles given as gifts, has proven more destructive than Thor’s hammer, toppling prominent officials from their positions.
The latest incident began as what appeared to be a generous gesture when Mr Gyamfi, a vocal critic of the opposition NPP, gave self-styled evangelist Patricia Oduro Koranteng (formerly fetish priestess Nana Agradaa) cash on Saturday, May 11, 2025.
Unbeknownst to Mr Gyamfi, the scene captured in widely shared social media footage would spark major controversy, giving his opponents ammunition to demand his head on a plate.
The incident has spiralled into a summons by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah; reprimands by a section of Ghanaians; a petition by a private individual for CHRAJ to investigate the young politician; and calls for dismissal, leaving President Mahama in a dilemma and intense pressure to act.
Suddenly, Mr Gyamfi’s efforts in establishing the Goldbod to regulate gold exports, a move that has strengthened Ghana’s control and increased gold shipments to help stabilise the cedi, have taken a backseat, with his ill-advised conduct taking centre stage.
While Mr Gyamfi quickly issued a public apology, many Ghanaians demanded stronger disciplinary action as a deterrent, particularly as President Mahama promoted accountability through a new Code of Conduct for officials.
As debate continues, observers recall the 2013 dismissal of Victoria Lakshmi Hammah, then Deputy Communications Minister, after a leaked recording revealed her stating she wouldn’t leave politics until amassing $1 million, perhaps influenced by her middle name referencing the Hindu goddess of wealth.
The NPP insists Mr Gyamfi should face similar consequences.
READ ALSO: Dollar-gift saga: NPP roasts Sammy Gyamfi for “denigrating” Cedi
As NPP communications team member Ellen Ama Ofosuaa Daako noted on Angel TV on May 13: “There was a lady called Victoria Hamah who said that if she had $ 1 million, she would stop politics. She was sacked, and to this day, she hasn’t recovered from the incident. Unlike Sammy Gyamfi, who now has the dollars and is allegedly dashing them out.”
A few hours later, Ms Hamah has responded in a well-articulated open letter to President Mahama to chart a different course.
In a measured post on her Facebook page, Ms Hamah is advocating a different approach:
“While recognising the matter’s sensitivity, I propose an approach affirming both accountability and your administration’s transformative ideals. A formal reprimand, rather than dismissal, would represent the most constitutionally sound response – one that balances accountability with mentorship and democratic growth.”
She argued compellingly, “Youth and women face structural disadvantages in Ghanaian politics. True inclusion requires empowering them through participation, providing guidance frameworks, and addressing misjudgements proportionately, not with exclusion.”
Ms Hammah concluded, “The cost of disillusioning an engaged generation outweighs the discomfort of navigating controversy with principle. Transforming this into a learning opportunity would reaffirm your commitment to intergenerational equity and inclusive governance – cornerstones of Ghana’s democratic future.”
The eloquent appeal presents President Mahama with a nuanced alternative as he weighs his response to the escalating controversy.
Below is her full post:
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