Minority MP calls for sanctions over Agradaa cash video; governance expert urges caution

The fallout from a viral video showing Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, giving cash to controversial religious figure Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Agradaa, has intensified, with sharp reactions from both lawmakers and governance experts.

Leading the Minority’s call for disciplinary action is Kabiru Tia Mahama, MP for Walewale, who believes the conduct violates both the Code of Conduct for public officers and Ghana’s Foreign Exchange Act.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Tuesday (13 May), Tia Mahama emphasised that the video, which shows Gyamfi handing out foreign currency, demonstrates clear infractions.

“This is not about explanations or apologies. The law is black and white,” he said. “By giving out dollars in public, Gyamfi may have breached provisions of the Foreign Exchange Act, specifically sections prohibiting the unauthorised use and circulation of foreign currency.”

Mahama also criticised the Chief of Staff’s invitation to Gyamfi for questioning at the Jubilee House, suggesting it was an attempt to avoid imposing real consequences.

“If someone is caught red-handed and even apologises, it should trigger automatic sanctions,” he added, calling for Gyamfi’s suspension pending full investigation.

However, governance expert and CDD fellow John Osae-Kwapong offered a more measured response. While he acknowledged the optics were unfortunate, he argued that no law had been broken.

“There’s nothing criminal about giving a gift,” he said. “But as a public official, your conduct must withstand public scrutiny. That’s where the problem lies.”

Osae-Kwapong emphasised that the Mahama administration’s Code of Conduct should be more explicit in outlining penalties. He welcomed the current query process led by the Chief of Staff and urged Ghanaians to let due process take its course.

“I don’t think removal from office is warranted in this case,” he said. “A public reprimand or apology may suffice, especially as this is the first real test of the new code.”