President John Dramani Mahama’s administration has officially decided not to pursue any further disciplinary action against Sammy Gyamfi, the Acting C
President John Dramani Mahama’s administration has officially decided not to pursue any further disciplinary action against Sammy Gyamfi, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBOD) and National Communications Officer of the NDC, following a public uproar over a viral video that showed him lavishly spraying U.S. dollars on televangelist Patricia Asiedu, popularly known as Nana Agradaa.
Presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, at a press briefing held at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, confirmed that Gyamfi had been formally cautioned and that the Presidency considered the matter closed after his public apology.
The controversy erupted over the weekend when a video surfaced on social media showing Sammy Gyamfi stepping out of a luxury vehicle at a funeral and counting out bundles of what appeared to be U.S. dollars—estimated by some to be over $3,000—which he handed to Agradaa.
The self-proclaimed evangelist, a controversial figure with a checkered past, gleefully received the cash and later posted the video online, claiming in a taunting tone, “I have taken dollars from Sammy Gyamfi… $100,000 to be exact.”
The footage sparked immediate outrage across the political spectrum and among the general public, particularly given the country’s ongoing economic hardships and the government’s call for austerity and ethical conduct among public officials.
Apology and Internal Reckoning
Sammy Gyamfi issued a public apology via social media, calling the act a “private gesture of kindness” that was never intended for public consumption.
“To all comrades who are sincerely hurt by this, I am sincerely sorry for this unfortunate act of indiscretion,” he wrote.
He stressed that he has always sought to help others privately and regretted the act becoming public.
Despite the apology, segments of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and public watchdog groups demanded further scrutiny and disciplinary action, arguing that the display of such a large sum in foreign currency by a state official raised ethical red flags and possible concerns over the misuse of public funds.
Mahama’s Code of Conduct
The timing of the scandal could not have been worse for the Mahama administration.
Just days earlier, President Mahama had unveiled a new Code of Conduct for Public Appointees, pledging to uphold integrity, modesty, and transparency in governance.
The guidelines were designed to break from the perceived corruption of past administrations and rebuild public trust in state institutions.
Critics have argued that Sammy Gyamfi’s behavior runs counter to the spirit of that code, undermining Mahama’s reformist image.
Some have described the act as a “tone-deaf display of ill-gotten wealth,” especially as the government continues to stress that the economy it inherited was “criminally mismanaged.”
Presidency’s Decision
Despite growing calls for stricter sanctions, the Presidency has decided that no further action is warranted.
According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Gyamfi had already fulfilled two key expectations laid out in the Code of Conduct—issuing a public apology and receiving an official caution from the Chief of Staff.
“President Mahama has been briefed, and the view of the Presidency is that Mr. Sammy Gyamfi’s apology and the caution issued are sufficient. We expect him to be of good behaviour going forward,” Ofosu stated.
Questions Remain Over Public Funds and GoldBOD
The scandal has reignited public debate over GoldBOD’s operations and the use of public funds.
GoldBOD, which Sammy Gyamfi leads in an acting capacity, recently received $279 million in government capital to oversee gold purchasing and export as part of a broader initiative to stabilize Ghana’s foreign reserves.
Some critics, including civil society watchdogs and members of the mining sector, have questioned the concentration of power in Gyamfi’s hands, especially since GoldBOD’s role now overlaps with that of the state-run Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), which Gyamfi also oversees.
The public spectacle of dollar-spraying has only intensified these concerns.
The Agradaa Connection
Adding to the controversy is the recipient of the money—Nana Agradaa, a polarizing figure known for her dramatic shift from fetish priestess to Christian evangelist.
Her history of fraud allegations and recent suspension by the Rapha Faith International Ministerial Network for “unorthodox fundraising” have made her a symbol of controversy.
Her sudden closeness with the NDC, punctuated by the viral dollar video, has been interpreted by many as a calculated political realignment.
Observers argue her move was a public declaration of her allegiance—and a subtle jab at her former political critics.
Conclusion
For now, the Mahama government appears keen to move past the scandal, banking on Gyamfi’s apology and internal caution to quell discontent.
But public pressure for transparency and accountability remains high, especially as the nation grapples with financial challenges.
However, the case of Sammy Gyamfi may ultimately test the robustness of Mahama’s newly launched ethics framework—and whether public apologies alone are enough to restore trust in leadership.
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