By Moses Desire Kouyo
Accra, Ghana — President John Dramani Mahama has extended an official pardon to Sammy Gyamfi, the Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, following intense public scrutiny over a viral video showing him handing an undisclosed amount of U.S. dollars to Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, a self-styled evangelist and controversial public figure.
The footage, which circulated widely on social media, ignited nationwide outrage and drew swift condemnation from civil society organizations, opposition politicians, and segments of the public. Critics called for Mr. Gyamfi’s dismissal, alleging that his actions potentially breached Ghana’s Foreign Exchange Act and the Code of Conduct for Public Officials.
In a press briefing on Monday, Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced the President’s decision to close the matter after receiving a formal apology from Mr. Gyamfi.
“The President considers the incident deeply regrettable,” Kwakye Ofosu stated, “but he does not believe it rises to a level that warrants termination of appointment.”
While no further disciplinary action will be taken, Mr. Gyamfi has been issued a stern caution and reminded of his obligations as a public servant. Kwakye Ofosu added that the incident serves as a broader reminder to all public officials to uphold ethical conduct, transparency, and public trust in the discharge of their duties.
The pardon has sparked mixed reactions. Some have praised the President’s decision as balanced and considerate, while others argue it undermines the message of accountability and zero tolerance for impropriety in public office.
President Mahama, who has recently reiterated his commitment to ethical governance and institutional integrity, has emphasized that while the actions were inappropriate, they did not, in his assessment, meet the threshold for dismissal.
The development brings a temporary close to a saga that has tested the administration’s stance on public accountability at a time when public confidence in governance is increasingly under scrutiny.