The Minority in Parliament has said the viral video showing the gifting of cash by the Acting Managing Director of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, to former fetish priestess and now self-acclaimed evangelist, Nana Agradaa, could have implications for the economy.
According to the Minority, the act could adversely affect efforts to sustain the integrity of the cedi against the US dollar and other foreign currencies on the forex market.
The Minority, at a press conference on the matter on Monday, May 12, 2025, addressed by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Walewale, Dr. Tiah Abdul Kabiru Mahama, says the act is not an isolated matter of indiscretion but something the administration has been engulfed with.
It says the gesture could derail efforts being made to strengthen the economy to bring relief to Ghanaians.
“While the cedi has shown signs of recovery, appreciating from GHS 14.15 to approximately GHS 13.14 per USD as of May 9, 2025, this incident undermines efforts to stabilize our economy. The casual distribution of foreign currency by a high-ranking official sends a message of indifference to the struggles of ordinary Ghanaians,” portion of the Minority’s statement indicated.
The Minority’s comments come on the back of a viral video showing Sammy Gyamfi gifting some money, supposedly in dollars, to Nana Agradaa.
The fetish priestess who now claims she is an evangelist, according to her own account, had asked Mr Gyamfi to gift her something for fuel after they met at a programme, which she claims she was given US$800.00 for.
The development has sparked public outrage, especially after President Mahama had launched a Code of Conduct for Public Officials a few days earlier, detailing how they should conduct themselves to avoid creating public disaffection.
Critics have pointed to the video as potentially undermining the Code of Conduct for Public Officials, which emphasizes integrity, accountability, and transparency in public service.
In the said video making rounds on social media, Agradaa had taken a photograph with Sammy Gyamfi beside his car, after which she followed him to the front passenger seat to collect the money.
Many party faithful have been outraged after the incident, not over the gesture per se, but the person involved, who is a controversial religious figure claiming to be an evangelist after being previously arrested for defrauding many as a fetish priestess.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff has asked the GoldBod Acting MD to come and explain the circumstances surrounding the controversial gift that has sparked criticism and raised concerns over the conduct of public officials.
