"Live above reproach" – NPA CEO urges colleague appointees

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Edudzi Tameklo, has advised fellow appointees under President John Mahama’s administration to conduct themselves in ways that reflect the high standards expected of them by the Ghanaian public.

Mr. Tameklo's comment follows the controversy surrounding a viral video in which the Acting CEO of the Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, is seen handing dollar notes to Prophetess Agradaa during a gathering. The incident, which has sparked intense public debate, has been widely referred to as the “Sammy-Gyamfi-Agradaa saga.”

Speaking to the issue, Mr. Tameklo noted that the uproar is largely due to the elevated expectations Ghanaians have for appointees of President Mahama, given the government’s emphasis on integrity and youth inclusion.

“Thankfully, my brother Sammy, immediately this matter was brought to his attention, publicly came out to apologise to the good people of this country and to His Excellency the President,” he said. “I think the lesson for all of us, including myself, is that the standard we will be judged by is a very high one. It requires us to be sensitive to our environment and the things that happen around us.”

Mr. Tameklo revealed that the interaction between Sammy Gyamfi and Prophetess Agradaa took place at the one-week observation of the late father of Prophet Nigel Gaisie. According to him, the conversation focused on promoting peace between Agradaa and another prophet, Isaac Owusu Bempah.

He further addressed concerns that the act breached the Code of Conduct recently introduced for Mahama’s appointees, stating that the code focuses on the acceptance—not the giving—of gifts by government officials.

“I have taken the code of conduct as a Bible. From my reading, the code is silent on the issue of a public officer giving a gift. What happened in the video does not amount to a violation,” Mr. Tameklo clarified.

He emphasized the importance of living above reproach, especially for young appointees who have been given the opportunity to serve in Mahama’s administration.

“We live in a political environment that has placed a higher standard, particularly on appointees of President Mahama. The ordinary Ghanaian has a higher expectation of all of us,” he stated.

Sammy Gyamfi has since issued a public apology on social media, describing the act as a private gesture that unfortunately found its way into the public domain. He acknowledged the backlash and expressed regret for the indiscretion.

“To all comrades who are sincerely hurt by this, I am sincerely sorry for this unfortunate act of indiscretion,” Mr. Gyamfi wrote.

Mr. Tameklo's comments serve as a cautionary reminder to public officials about the scrutiny that accompanies public service and the need to uphold the principles of transparency and integrity at all times.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith