Kennedy Agyapong, a 2024 presidential hopeful of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has condemned President John Dramani Mahama’s handling of the recent controversy involving the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi.
Speaking at the Entrepreneurship and National Leadership event held at Central University on Thursday, 15th May 2025, Mr Agyapong voiced strong disapproval over the President’s decision not to pursue further disciplinary action against Mr Gyamfi.
“Nepotism, favouritism is what is killing this country, and there is no doubt about that. Recently in the news, we heard about Nana Agradaa and Sammy Gyamfi. If I were the president, I would have sacked Sammy Gyamfi right away. I would not have waited for even a second, because the evidence was clear. I didn’t need to go and conduct any investigation. This will serve as a deterrent,” he stated.
Mr Agyapong went on to criticise what he described as the deepening culture of nepotism and favouritism in public service, asserting that such tendencies are hampering national progress.
According to him, the continued practice of nepotism leads to the appointment of unqualified individuals into critical roles, an issue he believes demands urgent redress.
“Young men and women complete their university education and go on ahead with their national service. Even with that one, you will have to pay to get a good company. If you didn’t know any politician, you could not do your national service at a proper place.
“All these are impeding progress, and because of nepotism, we end up employing square pegs in round holes. So, this is a canker we need to solve or resolve,” he added.
Mr Agyapong’s remarks follow the circulation of a viral video that captured Sammy Gyamfi handing over an undisclosed amount of U.S. dollars to evangelist Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa.
The footage sparked widespread public concern, with many raising questions about potential breaches of the Foreign Exchange Act and ethical standards expected of public officeholders.
Sammy Gyamfi apologised for the incident and was summoned by the Chief of Staff. The presidency subsequently said, based on the apology and the caution issued to him, there is no need for further disciplinary action against him.
