FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, 12th May 2025
Suspend and Investigate Sammy Gyemfi, Apology Not Enough – UPDN Calls on H.E. John Dramani Mahama to Act Decisively to Uphold Ethical Governance
The United Press for Development Network (UPDN) expresses its utmost disappointment and concern over a recent incident involving Mr. Sammy Gyemfi, a prominent member of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), following a viral video that has drawn intense public scrutiny.
In the said footage, Mr. Gyemfi is seen handing over what has been described as an undisclosed amount of foreign currency reportedly US dollars to Evangelist Patricia Oduro Koranteng, widely known as Nana Agradaa.
This act, captured on video and circulated broadly across digital platforms, has understandably sparked outrage and poses a significant threat to the credibility of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s administration, particularly in the wake of the newly launched Code of Conduct for Public Officials.
While Mr. Gyemfi has issued a public apology claiming the gesture was personal and not meant for public attention, UPDN finds this explanation wholly inadequate. An apology does not absolve the potential impropriety of the act, especially when it directly conflicts with the principles of transparency, integrity, and accountability that the current administration has committed to uphold.
We note that the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, has summoned the Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, Mr. Gyemfi’s current role for clarification. This is a welcome step. However, in light of the seriousness of the issue and its wider implications on public trust and the fight against corruption, we believe further action is necessary.
We therefore call on H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, to:
- Immediately suspend Mr. Sammy Gyemfi from all official government and party-related duties pending a full and transparent investigation.
- Commission an independent inquiry to investigate the source of the funds, the intent behind the public display, and any potential violations of state ethics or financial misconduct.
- Reaffirm his administration’s commitment to ethical governance by ensuring that no individual, regardless of party loyalty or political status, is above scrutiny.
Ghanaians deserve leaders who lead by example. As a watchdog civil society organization, UPDN stands firm in demanding accountability and respect for public office.
We urge the President to demonstrate that his anti-corruption stance is not mere rhetoric, but a standard he is willing to enforce without fear or favor.
About UPDN:
United Press for Development Network (UPDN) is a organization dedicated to promoting press freedom, media development, good and transparent governance, economic, environmental/climate change and sustainable development across Africa. Through capacity building, advocacy, and networking, UPDN empowers journalists and media organizations to uphold professional standards, foster governmental accountability, and advance public interest.
Signed
Kelvin Malor
(National Organizer)
024-599-5541
David Albert Quainoo
(South Korea Coordinator)
+82-10-2117-4780
Betty Boafo
(Secretary)
024-487-0055
Eric Nana Prekoh
(Media Relations Coordinator)
024-646-0428
William Hayford Mintah
(Central Region Coordinator)
024-476-6538
Frank Darlington Heymann
(International Relations Coordinator)
0245414948
Signed
Rev. Kofi Asante Mensah
(President)
Tel: 024-469-0262
Office: 0302-965-325
