Afenyo-Markin knows why I called him ‘extortionist’; I dare him to sue me – Sammy Gyamfi
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has challenged Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to take legal action against him over his description of the legislator as an “extortionist.”
Mr Gyamfi said he was prepared to defend the allegation in court and maintained that Mr Afenyo-Markin would have no reason to remain silent if he believed the comment was defamatory.
The latest exchange forms part of a growing public dispute between the two over an alleged US$1.7 billion, equivalent to about GH¢22 billion, loss associated with the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) in 2025.
Mr Afenyo-Markin has questioned the reported loss and demanded accountability over the programme, while Mr Gyamfi has accused the Minority Leader of mounting what he described as a smear campaign against GoldBod.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series, Mr Gyamfi described the Minority Leader’s actions as “a desperate smear campaign by persons who have specialised in sophistry and political blackmail in pursuit of selfish ends.”
He further accused individuals behind the campaign of being “devious extortionists” who, he claimed, sought to damage the reputation of their targets in order to force them into settlements.
In an interview on Joy News on Saturday, August 22, Mr Gyamfi defended his use of the term “extortionist”, saying it was based on what he described as circumstances surrounding his exchanges with Mr Afenyo-Markin.
“There are many underlying issues between Afenyo-Markin and me that you don’t know and those watching don’t know,” he said.
Mr Gyamfi questioned why the Minority Leader had not publicly challenged the allegation or threatened to sue him if he considered the description false or defamatory.
“Have you ever heard me use the word extortion against any of my critics? Have you ever heard me? Why would I use this word now?” he asked.
He maintained that he was comfortable with criticism and political debate and insisted that his comments were not intended to discourage scrutiny of Mr Afenyo-Markin.
“I’m a consummate Democrat. I eat and drink debates,” he said.
Mr Gyamfi further stated that he was prepared to defend his claim and suggested that the Minority Leader should use the courts if he believed the allegation was untrue.
He also proposed a joint media appearance with Mr Afenyo-Markin, where both could present and defend their respective positions on the controversy.
“Or tell him that you’ll give him an interview here and Sammy Gyamfi will come and that you should dare Sammy Gyamfi,” he said.
The GoldBod CEO insisted that describing the Minority Leader as an “extortionist” was not merely an insult but reflected what he claimed were the facts surrounding their disagreement.