Mahama’s code of conduct is useless if he fails to act on Sammy Gyamfi – Nana Boakye – Nsemkeka
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has strongly condemned the recent actions of Mr Sammy Gyamfi, describing them as not only unlawful but also a direct affront to the Code of Conduct recently launched by President John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, 13 May, Mr Boakye stated that his remarks were prompted by a video in which Mr Gyamfi is seen doling out dollars to self-styled evangelist Nana Agradaa.
He said: “What Sammy Gyamfi has done is a patent indiscretion that breaches several laws of the land and, more importantly, mocks and renders meaningless the President’s newly established Code of Conduct.”
He pointed out that among the laws breached by Mr Gyamfi, who currently serves as National Communications Officer for the NDC and acting CEO of Goldbod, are the Foreign Exchange Act, the Anti-Money Laundering Act, and the Presidential Code of Conduct, which was formally launched only a week ago.
Specifically, Section 314 of the Foreign Exchange Act (Act 723) prohibits any person from engaging in the business of dealing in foreign exchange without a licence issued under the Act.
Mr Boakye added, “This is a clear violation of the Foreign Exchange Act. Dealing with foreign exchange, like receiving or paying foreign currency, without a licence, is illegal.”
Mr Boakye stressed that the law, in both letter and spirit, prohibits the stacking of dollars, as Ghana maintains the Cedi as its sole legal tender.
He remarked: “We don’t have multiple legal tenders in Ghana. The Bank of Ghana has repeatedly warned that no individual or institution is allowed to advertise, price, receive, gift, or make payments for goods and services in foreign exchange, including US dollars, without authorisation.”
He argued that this directive is crucial to stabilising the Cedi, and noted: “The penalty for violating this regulation is serious, and it includes a fine or imprisonment of up to 18 months.”
He referenced President Mahama’s recent unveiling of the Code of Conduct for appointees, in which President Mahama outlined the core values his administration expects: integrity, honesty, impartiality, respect, decency, competence, and professionalism.
The President reportedly emphasised: “All official conduct must meet standards capable of withstanding the closest public scrutiny.” Mr Boakye pointed out that under Section 12 of the Code, Mr Gyamfi is required to manage his personal affairs in a manner that withstands public scrutiny.
He stated: “Mr Gyamfi has blatantly violated both obligations under the Code. His actions are in direct contrast to what the President expects from his appointees.”
He insisted that President Mahama must act in accordance with Section 6 of his pledge, outlined on page nine of the Code, and deal swiftly and decisively with Mr Gyamfi.
Mr Boakye warned: “If the President is unable to act on this matter, it will signal to the public and other government officials that the Code of Conduct is meaningless. The President must act swiftly and decisively.”
He noted that the President’s Code of Conduct was widely publicised and received significant praise. However, barely a week after its launch, an appointee is seen displaying opulence and doling out dollars during a time of economic distress.
Mr Boakye described this as serious and deeply troubling, saying: “We find ourselves in a deeply troubling situation, where one of your appointees is seen doling dollars out, and that is a serious matter. We therefore call on the President to take immediate action.”
He concluded with a direct challenge to President Mahama, stating: “If the President is unable to act on this matter, then the Code of Conduct must be shredded, it’s of no use, it’s useless.