President Mahama will be fully briefed for action when he returns on Sammy Gyamfi dollar gift to Agradaa — Felix Kwakye

The government says it is taking public concerns "with utmost seriousness" following a viral video showing Sammy Gyamfi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, handing U.S. dollar notes to controversial evangelist Nana Agradaa.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister in charge of Government Communications, addressed the issue in an interview with Citi FM. His comments come in the wake of widespread public backlash, with many questioning the appropriateness of the gesture, especially in the face of ongoing economic challenges.

Although Mr. Gyamfi has issued an apology and described the act as a private show of goodwill never meant for public view, he was summoned to the presidency on Monday, May 12, by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to explain his actions in detail.

“Generally, as a government, we respect the sentiments of Ghanaians,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said. “We know that since the airing of the video, various sentiments have been expressed.”

He added, “It is part of the reasons why the Chief of Staff took the step he has taken today [May 12].“

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said, “We're a government that is committed to governing the country in a different manner and holding ourselves to high standards. So, we take on board the concerns that the public has raised. This shows that people expect a much departure from the free fall that happened under the NPP administration.”

He also noted that President John Dramani Mahama will be updated on the matter upon his return to the country, after which any necessary further steps will be taken.

In the meantime, the Minority in Parliament is calling for the immediate suspension of Mr. Gyamfi while investigations into the incident continue.