I will go to prison in your brain -Sammy Gyamfi tackles Afenyo-Markin
Sammy Gyamfi Hits Back at Afenyo-Markin Over GoldBod Bail Warning
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has strongly responded to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin following a warning that officials of the institution could face “scary” bail conditions should the New Patriotic Party (NPP) return to power. Mr. Gyamfi dismissed the comments as misplaced, arguing that they were based on an unfair assessment of GoldBod’s performance and achievements under the current administration. He maintained that GoldBod had made significant strides in transforming Ghana’s gold industry, particularly by promoting local refining and increasing value addition within the country.
“Not a Gram of Gold Was Refined Under Your Tenure”
Addressing the issue at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, August 19, Mr Gyamfi pointed to what he described as a major improvement in Ghana’s gold value chain. He contrasted the current situation with the period under the previous administration, claiming that no gold was refined locally during Mr Afenyo-Markin’s tenure.
“Under your tenure, not a gram of gold was refined in Ghana, but today over 9 million tonnes of gold we have bought is refined here in Ghana, and we are changing the value addition story of the country,” he said.
According to Mr Gyamfi, the development of local refining capacity represents an important step towards ensuring that Ghana gains greater economic value from its natural resources.
Gyamfi Describes Comments as “Palm Wine Bar” Efficiency
The GoldBod CEO also took aim at the tone of the Minority Leader’s remarks, describing them as “the fanciful efficiency of a palm wine bar.” He suggested that the comments lacked the seriousness expected from a senior parliamentary figure and should be treated more as comic relief than substantive political commentary.
Mr Gyamfi further criticised Mr Afenyo-Markin for what he described as a decline in the quality of debate associated with the office of Minority Leader.
He referenced former occupants of the position, including J.H. Mensah, Papa Owusu-Ankomah and Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, as examples of the standard of parliamentary debate he expected from the current Minority Leader.
“I Will Go to Prison in His Brain”
Responding directly to the warning about possible legal consequences, Mr Gyamfi said he was not intimidated by what he described as attempts to frighten GoldBod officials. “So I will go to prison in his brain, and I will have onerous bail terms in his brain, and I am not afraid of any intimidating tactics because we are serving Ghana in good conscience and our results and posterity will speak for us,” he said. His remarks were made in response to comments by the Minority Caucus led by Mr Afenyo-Markin at a press conference on Tuesday.
Afenyo-Markin Raises GH¢22 Billion Loss Allegation
Mr Afenyo-Markin had warned that officials of the current administration, including executives of GoldBod, could face difficult legal circumstances if the NPP returns to power. The Minority Leader’s warning was linked particularly to his allegation that GoldBod had incurred losses amounting to GH¢22 billion. His comments have intensified the political debate surrounding the operations, financial performance and accountability of the state-owned gold institution.
GoldBod Leadership Defends Its Record
Mr Gyamfi, however, maintained that GoldBod’s achievements should be judged by its contribution to Ghana’s gold sector and the results being delivered under its leadership.
He argued that the institution was helping to change the structure of the country’s gold industry by increasing local processing and refining.
The exchange between the two politicians has therefore added another layer to the growing political debate over GoldBod, with the governing side highlighting its achievements while the opposition continues to raise questions about its financial management and alleged losses.
Mr Gyamfi concluded that he remained confident that the institution’s record would ultimately speak for itself, insisting that GoldBod’s leadership was acting in good conscience in the interest of Ghana.
