Dollar gift saga: Sammy Gyamfi was already living affluent life in opposition, worked at a largest mining company as senior executive — Senyo Hosi

Finance and Economic Policy Analyst, Senyo Hosi

Finance and Economic Policy Analyst, Senyo Hosi, says there is nothing wrong with the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, possessing dollar notes.

Sammy Gyamfi has come under public criticism after a video emerged showing him gifting an undisclosed amount of dollar notes to self-styled evangelist Agradaa.

Despite offering an apology, many, including the Minority Caucus and anti-corruption campaigners, have called on President John Dramani Mahama to suspend him.

However, speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Tuesday, May 13, Senyo Hosi, who also leads the One Ghana Movement, said Sammy Gyamfi is wealthy enough to own such kind of money.

He argues that there is nothing inherently wrong with the gesture.

“I don’t find anything wrong, and I’ll explain — it’s not wrong for anybody to give anybody money. We do that every day. It’s not wrong for you to possess dollars,” he said.

He further noted that Sammy Gyamfi, who also serves as the National Communications Officer of the NDC, has long lived an affluent lifestyle from monies he made from his work, even while in opposition.

Hosi described claims that the money may have been stolen from public coffers as dishonest, urging critics to investigate the GoldBod CEO’s background before making such assumptions.

“If you don’t know people’s story, be patient. I think it’s fair to ask questions, but don’t assume graft. I know the access is acquired. When he was in opposition, he worked as a senior executive at one of Ghana’s largest mining companies.

“For somebody who was already living an affluent life before his appointment, I don’t find it unreasonable for him to possess that quantum of US dollars. You may argue that as a public official he shouldn’t be doing that or flaunting it, but let’s not push the boundaries and assume he actually stole the money. That is dishonesty,” Hosi stressed.