The Minority in Parliament has intensified pressure on Sammy Gyamfi, acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, following the circulation of a video in which he gifted U.S. dollar notes to Evangelist Patricia Oduro Koranteng, popularly known as Agradaa.
On Thursday, May 15, the Minority formally petitioned the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), urging both institutions to investigate the circumstances under which Mr. Gyamfi handed over the foreign currency to the controversial preacher. Reports suggest that the caucus may also petition the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
The lawmakers argue that Mr. Gyamfi’s conduct may be in breach of key legal and ethical frameworks, including the presidential Code of Conduct, the Foreign Exchange Act, and the Currency Act.
Speaking to the media, a representative of the Minority questioned the legitimacy of the cash gift and called for full disclosure on the source of the money:
“We want to find out the source of this money. Where did Mr Sammy Gyamfi get this sum of money that he doesn’t have Ghana cedis and he can put his hands in his bag and bring alleged $10,000 and dash to somebody?”
He continued:
“We want them to investigate whether the said currency forms part of public or institutional fund entrusted into Sammy Gyamfi’s hands as the acting CEO for Ghana Gold Board.”
“We also want to know whether there is a potential conflict of interest and abuse of office.”
The public uproar stems from a video that went viral on Sunday, May 11, in which Agradaa is seen requesting U.S. dollars from Mr. Gyamfi. He obliges, counting several bills before handing them over, prompting Agradaa to wave the cash enthusiastically in front of her congregation.
The backlash led Agradaa—now known by her real name, Evangelist Patricia Asiedua Asiamah—to announce her intention to return the money, amid claims of impropriety.
Mr. Gyamfi, in a post on X, explained his action as an act of personal generosity, not intended for public consumption:
“I genuinely believed this act of kindness was done in private and never imagined it would end up in the public domain. It’s truly unfortunate and regrettable.”
Despite his apology, the matter reached the highest levels of government, with Mr. Gyamfi summoned by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah on Monday. Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu, addressing journalists on May 14, confirmed the meeting and the caution issued by the Chief of Staff.
“In the immediate aftermath of the video, Mr Sammy Gyamfi promptly issued an apology in which he expressed regret over the matter…The view is that, the Presidency acknowledges Mr Sammy Gyamfi’s immediate act of contrition and the acknowledgement of the need to express regret over that incident.”
“You’d recall that when President Mahama launched the Code of Conduct, he said that one of the remedies for any potential breach was a public apology. He also said one of the remedies was a caution from the highest office. After the interaction with the Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff cautioned him, having acknowledged the apology he made. He impressed on him to take public sentiments and act in ways that reflect public sentiment.”
According to Kwakye Ofosu, no further disciplinary action will be taken by the Presidency:
“The presidency does not believe that any further action ought to be taken.”
The controversy has sparked mixed reactions, with some calling for accountability, while others have rallied behind Mr. Gyamfi. One of his vocal defenders is Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu, who took to Facebook on May 12 to express support.
“It is well. You committed no crime. The haters are hurt. They can’t believe that God can lift and bless you such that you can become a blessing unto others. Leave them – let them do their worst.”
“We got you. God has your back. Stay focused and blessed,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, Eric Dumenu Akatsi, a private citizen who had also filed a petition with CHRAJ, has since withdrawn his request. In a letter dated May 14, he stated:
“I am writing to formally withdraw the petition I submitted on 13th May, 2025, with reference number 122/12/BL.12 regarding the instances of corruption against Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of the Ghana Gold Board. After careful consideration, I have decided that it is in the best interest to withdraw this petition.”
With fresh petitions now in motion from the Minority, however, the dollar donation scandal is far from settled.
