Chief of Staff summons Sammy Gyamfi over viral cash gift to Agradaa

Public outcry forces high-level accountability
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has summoned Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, following a viral video that captured him handing out a substantial amount of cash to controversial evangelist Nana Agradaa. The footage, which quickly spread across social media, has sparked a wave of public criticism and raised questions about ethical standards among public officials.

The viral moment: Dollars for Agradaa
In the video that ignited the controversy, Mr Gyamfi is seen presenting an undisclosed amount of foreign currency—allegedly in US dollars—to Patricia Oduro Koranteng, popularly known as Nana Agradaa. A former fetish priestess turned evangelist, Agradaa remains a polarising figure in Ghanaian society, making the public nature of the cash gift even more contentious.

Presidency demands answers
Sources within the Jubilee House confirm that Mr Gyamfi has been officially summoned to explain the incident. The Chief of Staff is said to be particularly concerned about the reputational damage the gesture could inflict on the Mahama administration, especially in light of its renewed commitment to ethical governance.

Clashing withith the code of conduct
The incident comes just weeks after President John Dramani Mahama launched a comprehensive Code of Conduct for Public Officials. The code, hailed as a key component of the government’s anti-corruption drive, underscores the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability. Critics argue that Mr Gyamfi’s public show of generosity contradicts these values and risks undermining the credibility of the policy.

Gyamfi responds: A “personal act of generosity”
In a statement released on Sunday, 11 May, Mr Gyamfi sought to downplay the controversy, describing the gesture as a “personal act of generosity” that was not intended for public consumption. While he expressed regret over the backlash, his remarks have done little to quell the criticism.

Political fallout and ethical reckoning
As the administration grapples with the fallout, analysts suggest the episode is a crucial test of the government’s resolve to enforce its own standards. With the 2024 Code of Conduct still in its infancy, how the presidency handles the situation could set the tone for future disciplinary action—or lack thereof—within its ranks.

A delicate balancing act
For now, all eyes are on the Chief of Staff’s office as it prepares to hear Mr Gyamfi’s explanation. The outcome may determine not only his future in public service but also the broader public perception of the government’s sincerity in tackling misconduct among its own.