Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi to be more open to criticism and respond to concerns about the institution without interpreting them as personal attacks.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said the opposition’s scrutiny was focused on GoldBod’s operations and was not motivated by hostility towards Mr Gyamfi.
“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 increased public attention on 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 dismissed the allegations as false, describing them as part of what he considers an organised campaign aimed at discrediting him and GoldBod.
Speaking on X Spaces on Sunday, August 9, Mr Gyamfi denied any involvement of his security personnel in gold trading or the alleged loss of GoldBod funds.
“None of my bodyguards is involved in gold trading, and none of my bodyguards has stolen or taken Gold Board money,” he said.
He also denied that Mr Bonsu had ever served as his bodyguard.
According to Mr Gyamfi, Mr Bonsu was known to him 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 separately rejected both the allegation of a GH¢200 million loss and the claim that Mr Bonsu was formerly part of Mr Gyamfi’s security detail.
Against this backdrop, Mr Afenyo-Markin urged the GoldBod CEO to address concerns about the institution based on their substance rather than responding by attacking critics.
He also cautioned Mr Gyamfi against allowing political supporters and media commentators to target individuals who raise questions about GoldBod.
“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.
Speaking on Accra-based Metro TV, the Minority Leader encouraged Mr Gyamfi to carefully consider the concerns raised by the opposition and provide explanations where necessary.
“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 outspoken stance on government policies when 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 experience as an opposition figure should encourage him to show greater tolerance towards criticism now that he holds 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 maintained that some of the concerns raised about GoldBod were not limited to political commentary, claiming that similar issues had featured in reports by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other credible institutions.
“Most of the issues you raise are issues that have been reported by IMF, by institutions that are credible,” he said.
He stressed that the opposition’s interest was in ensuring accountability and proper management at GoldBod rather than targeting its chief executive personally.
“We are not after your person. We are after the excesses in the activities at your institution,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.
He therefore urged Mr Gyamfi not to personalise disagreements over GoldBod’s operations.
“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 dismissed today could create difficulties for the GoldBod CEO in the future.
“When we raise them, take note, because one day, some of these things may come back and haunt you,” he cautioned.
He added that individuals currently defending Mr Gyamfi publicly may not necessarily remain on his side in the future.
“And maybe a media person that is supporting you today may not be there for you tomorrow,” he said.
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