NDC Communicator challenges Afenyo-Markin to prove GoldBod making losses

National Democratic Congress (NDC) communicator for the Biakoye Constituency, David Wordi, has challenged Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to provide evidence to substantiate claims that the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is recording losses.

Mr Wordi said concerns about GoldBod’s financial performance should be investigated through the appropriate institutional channels rather than becoming the subject of political exchanges in the media.

Speaking on the Bubune Morning Show, hosted by Nana Yaw Asiamah, he said Parliament was the appropriate platform for the Minority to seek clarification from GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi if there were concerns about the institution’s finances and operations.

He questioned why the Minority Leader had chosen to raise the issue publicly instead of inviting GoldBod management to Parliament to answer questions.

“If Afenyo-Markin is bringing up the IMF issue, instead of making accusations, why doesn't he invite him? Is there no opportunity for Parliament to sit down and ask questions to get to the truth?” he asked.

Mr Wordi also rejected suggestions that GoldBod should be regarded as financially distressed based solely on reports attributed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“The IMF is not the sole authority in Ghana here,” he stated.

He argued that Ghanaian institutions should be given the opportunity to demonstrate their capacity, particularly where their operations could help strengthen the country’s foreign exchange position and reduce reliance on external financing.

Defends Sammy Gyamfi
Mr Wordi defended GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi, saying he should be given the opportunity to account for the institution’s activities and respond to concerns raised about its financial performance.

He maintained that Parliament could invite Mr Gyamfi to explain GoldBod’s financial position if lawmakers had questions about its operations.

“If it is true or not, we will know,” he said.

The NDC communicator also called for dialogue among the various stakeholders involved in the debate, warning that conflicting claims about GoldBod could create unnecessary public anxiety if the facts were not properly established.

He suggested that GoldBod management and its critics should examine the relevant financial records together to determine the institution’s actual financial position.

Mr Wordi further criticised what he described as attempts to undermine Sammy Gyamfi’s work, arguing that political differences should not prevent stakeholders from recognising positive developments.

Using the example of someone entrusted with money, he said a person who manages resources effectively should be acknowledged rather than condemned without evidence.

Calls for greater economic independence

Mr Wordi also questioned Ghana’s continued reliance on the IMF and argued that the country should strengthen institutions capable of generating foreign exchange and contributing to economic independence.

He said GoldBod had an important role to play in managing Ghana’s gold resources and supporting the country’s economic position, but stressed that the institution must remain subject to proper scrutiny and accountability.

He therefore urged Mr Afenyo-Markin and other critics to channel their concerns through the appropriate institutions and allow the relevant authorities to investigate the claims and establish the facts.