Sammy Gyamfi goes unpunished; asked to be circumspect in conducts

The Presidency has decided not to take further disciplinary action against the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Gold Bond, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, following the emergence of a controversial video showing him handing over a cash gift to self-styled evangelist, Agradaa.

In the immediate aftermath of the video's circulation, Mr. Gyamfi issued a public apology, expressing regret and taking responsibility for his actions.

A day later, he was summoned to the Presidency by the Chief of Staff to provide clarification on the matter.

Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced on Wednesday that Mr. Gyamfi honored the invitation and offered his side of the story during a closed-door meeting.

President John Dramani Mahama, who was out of the country at the time, has since been fully briefed on the interaction.

According to the Minister, the Presidency has acknowledged Mr. Gyamfi’s prompt apology and contrition, which aligns with the remedies outlined in the Code of Conduct launched by President Mahama.

The code permits a public apology and an official caution as appropriate responses to breaches of conduct.

"The Chief of Staff, after acknowledging the apology, issued a formal caution to Mr. Gyamfi and impressed upon him the need to take public sentiment seriously and act in ways that reflect the expectations of the Ghanaian people," Kwakye Ofosu stated.

He further explained that the caution was consistent with earlier guidance issued by President Mahama to all appointees, urging them to be mindful of their behavior in both public and private settings.

"There may be things that are commonplace in our private lives, but once you become a public official, you need to be sensitive to public expectation," he said.

"The Presidency does not believe that any further action ought to be taken beyond the apology and the caution."

The government reaffirmed its commitment to high standards of public service and emphasized the importance of feedback from Ghanaians, especially in the wake of growing demands for accountability and transparency.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith