Sammy Gyamfi Rains Dollars On Agradaa …NDC Foot-soldiers Weep

A video recording of the acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi handing over some crisp American Dollar notes to fetish priestess turned evangelist, Patricia Oduro Koranteng, alias Nana Agradaa has sparked a growing public uproar especially among grass-root supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The video, now gone viral, captured Nana Agradaa snatching the rest of the Dollar notes from Sammy Gyamfi and walking away after he had counted some of the notes and handing them over to her.

The general complaints has been that Sammy Gyamfi had been reckless and acted in a way that is offensive to the public, especially the base of his Party.

Many took to social media to lament that they feel betrayed that Sammy Gyamfi would make Dollars rain on Nana Agradaa after she openly campaigned against the NDC in the 2024 elections whereas, they the foot-soldiers who bent over backwards to secure victory for the party have not been given such amounts of money.

Some also say Sammy Gyamfi’s conduct smacks of opulence and should not be discouraged especially when he is an appointee of a newly formed government that is just in its fifth month.

SAMMY GYAMFI BEGS

The back lash started on Saturday moments after it went viral on social media and by Sunday, Sammy Gyamfi, realizing the feedback from the video, also took to social media to describe the incident as regrettable and to give an apology.

He wrote: “Folks, I have taken notice of the wave of criticisms against my person in the last 24 hours. To clarify, this was simply a kind gesture to a fellow human being, in line with my daily and life-long custom of lending a helping hand to people in need.

 “I sincerely thought that I was doing this act of kindness in private, and never imagined that same could find its way into the public space. That is unfortunate and regrettable. I must say that, I understand the uproar that this gesture has generated, particularly from comrades who are sincerely hurt by same. To all such comrades, I AM SINCERELY SORRY for this unfortunate act of indiscretion. I respect and appreciate your views.

“My profound appreciation goes to all those who have reached out to counsel and encourage me. I’m most grateful for your solidarity. Let me state however, that my view of public office as a privilege to serve society, solve problems and help others, has not changed. I remain focused on the task entrusted to me by His Excellency, the President for the development of our country. Stay blessed and have a blissful Sunday. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out here.”

AGRADAA WANTS MORE

Speaking on Sunday, Nana Agradaa justified the incident and said she deserves even more money from Sammy Gyamfi considering the support she had given to the NDC in the past.

Agradaa explained that she approached Sammy Gyamfi when they met at a public event and asked him to send an apology on her behalf to President Mahatma and the First Lady, Lordina for her misconduct towards them and the NDC during the 2024 campaign.

Agradaa said after Sammy Gyamfi had advised her to be of good behavior she asked him for fuel and then followed him to his vehicle when he counted the American Dollars for her.

Agradaa explained that she was not satisfied with the amount Sammy Gyamfi gave her so she stretched her hands into his vehicle and snatched the rest of the money from him.

RAS MUBARAK

Former Member of Parliament for the Kumbungu Constituency,  Ras Mubarak has waded into the controversy and chided Sammy Gyamfi for giving gifts in Dollars and not Cedis.

He asked the Ghana Revenue Authority  (GRA) to chase up Nana Agradaa and ensure she pays her gift tax as required by law.

Ras Mubarak made the comment on his Facebook wall:

 “For government office holders, it’s expected that they prioritize national interests and demonstrate confidence in our country’s economy and currency.  You cannot defend or justify a public office holder giving away forex, especially at a time the cedi is doing well. Dashing foreign currency, even if well-earned, could undermine the local currency and economy. Already, we are grappling with schools, hotels, property owners and others charging in USD.

“Sammy Gyamfi’s error of judgement could be perceived as a lack of confidence in the cedi. It contradicts government regulations. Such action could lead to negative impact on the Cedi’s value or stability. On Mama Pat ‘Agradaa,’ she has to pay gift tax. It’s the law. The Ghana Revenue Authority must go after Agrada for the tax component on the gift.”