Minority Petitions CHRAJ, OSP, IGP Over Sammy Gyamfi’s Dollar Giveaway Amidst Presidential Clearance

BY Issah Olegor

The Minority in Parliament has formally petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate a viral video allegedly showing Sammy Gyamfi handing out dollars to Nana Agradaa.

The petition, filed by Member of Parliament for Nalerigu/Gambaga, Nurideen Muhammed Mumuni, calls for immediate investigations into Gyamfi’s conduct.

Background

The controversy surrounding Sammy Gyamfi’s alleged dollar giveaway began when a viral video surfaced showing him distributing bundles of US dollars to self-styled evangelist Patricia Oduro, popularly known as Nana Agradaa.

The footage, widely circulated on social media, has sparked public outrage, with many questioning the source of the funds and the legality of the act.

Allegations

The petition alleges multiple violations, including breaches of public office ethics, the Foreign Exchange Act, the Currency Act, and possible tax evasion.

The MP, Nurideen argues that Gyamfi’s conduct violates the Code of Conduct for Public Officers launched by President John Mahama earlier this year.

“The public display of foreign currency in such an unaccountable manner undermines the dignity of public office and raises serious questions about abuse of entrusted resources,” the petition stated.

Presidential Clearance

However, in a surprising turn of events, President John Mahama’s administration has officially decided not to pursue any further disciplinary action against Sammy Gyamfi.

Presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that Sammy Gyamfi had been formally cautioned and that the Presidency considered the matter closed after his public apology.

Specific Legislation

The petition cites specific legislation, including Section 3 and 15 of the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723), which prohibit unauthorized foreign exchange transactions and require such dealings to occur through licensed banks.

Similarly, the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), bars the public circulation of foreign currency without express authorization from the Bank of Ghana.

Reliefs Sought

Despite the presidential clearance, the petition seeks several reliefs, including a full investigation into the source and legality of the funds distributed by Sammy Gyamfi, an assessment of whether his conduct breaches ethics or financial laws, prosecution or sanctions if wrongdoing is established, restitution of any misused public funds, and collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to ensure any tax evasion is addressed.

Concerns Over GoldBOD Operations

However, the scandal has cast a long shadow over GoldBOD, the state body Gyamfi oversees. GoldBOD was recently allocated $279 million in government funding to manage gold purchases and exports as part of efforts to stabilize Ghana’s foreign reserves.

Its increasing influence has drawn scrutiny, especially with Gyamfi also overseeing aspects of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).

Civil society groups and mining sector insiders have raised concerns over the centralization of power and the risks of mismanagement.

The dollar-spraying incident has only intensified suspicions about how state resources are being handled.

The Agradaa Factor

The recipient of Sammy Gyamfi’s largesse—Nana Agradaa—adds another layer of controversy.

Known for her sensational past as a spiritualist and her frequent brushes with the law, Agradaa has recently realigned herself with the NDC in what many see as a politically strategic move.

Her participation in the video, coupled with her provocative remarks about the amount received, has led some to believe the act was more than a personal transaction—it was a public endorsement wrapped in opulence.

Intimidation and Earlier Withdrawn Petition

This is not the first time Sammy Gyamfi has faced a petition over the same issue.

Just three days earlier, another complaint was filed with CHRAJ by a private citizen, who later withdrew it, allegedly under threats to his life.

The development raises troubling questions about whistleblower protection and the climate of fear surrounding political accountability in Ghana.

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