Senior Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah has stated that the Sammy Gyamfi-Nana Agradaa incident has made some individuals, particularly government appointees, skeptical about extending help to those in need.
She says the gesture, which sparked public outcry, has affected the willingness of some to show benevolence, fearing their actions might be recorded, circulated on social media, and get criticised.
Nana Yaa explains that while some individuals, including herself, cannot stop helping those in need, the incident has put them at risk, potentially forcing them to stop. “We are all at risk,” she stated.
Speaking on the BigIssue on TV3’s morning show, NewDay, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, the former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) revealed that she had been moved to help someone recently but hesitated due to the Sammy Gyamfi issue.
The controversy arose after Agradaa approached Sammy Gyamfi for money for fuel when the duo met at a funeral on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
According to Agradaa, Sammy gave her US$800, which sparked public outrage, especially after President Mahama launched a Code of Conduct for Public Officials a few days earlier.
Critics pointed to the video as potentially undermining the Code of Conduct for Public Officials, which emphasizes integrity, accountability, and transparency in public service.
Many party faithful were 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.
The Minority in Parliament and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) organised separate press conferences, demanding that the President either suspend or dismiss the Acting Managing Director of the Ghana Gold Board (GhanaGold), citing the dollar-gifting incident.
Sammy Gyamfi apologised for the incident and was invited by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to the Jubilee House to explain the circumstances.
However, the presidency accepted his apology and cautioned him on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, with the President deciding not to take further action according to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications.
Nana Yaa Jantuah notes that despite this resolution, the incident may lead many to become less charitable towards those genuinely in need.
“We cannot stop giving money to foot soldiers, we cannot stop giving to Ghanaians, those who are in need,” she reiterated, explaining that “anytime I’m in traffic, I talk to people on the road and those who are in need, I give. Sometimes I’m even prompted that I should give. Yesterday I was prompted I couldn’t give because I wasn’t too sure who was going to film me.”
According to her, the controversy is reminiscent of the biblical phrase “because iniquity abounds, the love of many will grow cold.”
The Presidential Staffer warned that as a result, people’s hearts will grow cold, and those in need might not receive the help they require.
She emphasized that such incidents should not be taken lightly in a country where many rely on the kindness of others. “We should not entertain this kind of thing whatsoever,” she urged.
There is no further action after Sammy Gyamfi’s apology – Kwakye Ofosu
