Afenyo-Markin urges Sammy Gyamfi to accept criticism and explain GoldBod concerns

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, to be more receptive to criticism and address concerns about the institution without viewing them as personal attacks.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said the opposition’s scrutiny of GoldBod was intended to promote accountability and improve the operations of the institution rather than target its chief executive.

“NPP, nobody hates you. Abena Osei Asare doesn’t hate you. I don’t hate you. We want the best for you,” he said.

His comments come amid heightened public debate over GoldBod following allegations circulating on social media involving a man identified as Dominic Bonsu and claims that GH¢200 million belonging to the institution had been taken.

Mr Gyamfi has rejected the allegations, describing them as false and part of an alleged coordinated attempt to damage his reputation and that of GoldBod.

Speaking during an X Spaces discussion on Sunday, August 9, Mr Gyamfi also denied claims that members of his security team were involved in gold trading or had taken money belonging to GoldBod.

“None of my bodyguards is involved in gold trading, and none of my bodyguards has stolen or taken Gold Board money,” he said.

He further dismissed reports that Mr Bonsu had previously worked as his bodyguard.

According to Mr Gyamfi, he knew Mr Bonsu as a licensed gold dealer and an NPP constituency executive in the Manso area of the Ashanti Region.

“The said Dominic Bonsu, I understand, is even a constituency executive of the NPP somewhere in the Manso area in the Ashanti Region,” he said.

GoldBod has also denied claims that the institution suffered a GH¢200 million loss and rejected the assertion that Mr Bonsu was previously part of Mr Gyamfi’s security detail.

Against this backdrop, Mr Afenyo-Markin has encouraged the GoldBod CEO to focus on addressing the substance of criticisms rather than attacking those raising questions about the institution.

Speaking on Accra-based Metro TV, the Minority Leader also cautioned Mr Gyamfi against allowing political allies and media personalities to target individuals who scrutinise GoldBod’s activities.

“Some of the people you think are your friends today, that you deploy to attack us merely for questioning certain actions at GoldBod may not be there for you tomorrow,” he said.

He advised Mr Gyamfi to carefully consider concerns raised by the opposition and provide explanations where necessary instead of responding aggressively.

“So, take it easy. When we raise issues, take your time and respond. Don’t come and attack us. Don’t engage others to attack us because we criticise GoldBod,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also reminded Mr Gyamfi of his strong criticism of government policies during the period the NDC was in opposition.

“You were very loud when you were in opposition. You raised critical issues. You were the loudest in opposition,” he said.

He argued that Mr Gyamfi’s previous experience as an opposition campaigner should make him more willing to tolerate and engage with criticism now that he occupies a public office.

“I am sure you should have a certain level of tolerance to even listen to the issues we raise,” he added.

The Minority Leader further claimed that some of the concerns being raised about GoldBod extend beyond partisan politics, noting that similar issues have reportedly featured in assessments by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other institutions.

“Most of the issues you raise are issues that have been reported by IMF, by institutions that are credible,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin stressed that the opposition was not interested in personally targeting Mr Gyamfi but in ensuring that GoldBod operates transparently and within acceptable standards of accountability.

“We are not after your person. We are after the excesses in the activities at your institution,” he said.

He therefore appealed to the GoldBod CEO to avoid personalising disagreements over the institution’s operations and instead engage constructively with critics.

“So please, don’t take it personal. Let’s work together, let’s understand the issues,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also warned that concerns being dismissed today could become problematic for Mr Gyamfi in the future if they are not properly addressed.

“When we raise them, take note, because one day, some of these things may come back and haunt you,” he cautioned.

He added that some of those publicly defending the GoldBod CEO today may not necessarily remain available to support him in the future.

Prince Antwi

See Full Bio