‘I gave 500 cedis, not dollars’ – Mahama jests amid Sammy Gyamfi dollars gift – Nsemkeka
President John Dramani Mahama on Friday amused his guests as he shed light on a kind gesture in the form of a GH₵500 gift he presented to a cultural dance troupe, and in so doing distancing his act from the recent controversy of a similar gift, albeit dollars, by the CEO of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi.
At the latest stop on his ‘Thank You Tour’, President Mahama was in Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region to show gratitude and interact with supporters on Friday, 16th May 2025.
Prior to his speech, there was a magnificent display of traditional dance and music by a local dance ensemble which apparently touched the president deeply.
The sounds of the drums were loud, the music echoed the spirit of Kroboland, and the indigenous tune struck a chord.
As the troupe hailed President Mahama, using a metaphor of a mighty king’s ascension to a throne, the lead dancer approached the podium designated for officials.
Visibly moved by the scenes, President Mahama stretched out his hand and handed an envelope containing what he indicated was money to the female performer.
When it was time for President Mahama to deliver his speech, he light-heartedly declared the amount and currency of his gift to quell any negative aftermath.
“Let me begin by commending the cultural troupe for the very beautiful performance they gave and to put on record that the money that I gave was 500 cedis, and not dollars,” he offered, flashing a broad smile which drew giggles from others at the event.
This follows heated debate over a cash gift in dollars handed out by Chief Executive Officer of Goldbod, Sammy Gyamfi, to self-styled evangelist Patricia Oduro Koranteng (formerly fetish priestess Nana Agradaa) on Saturday, 11th May 2025.
Unbeknownst to Mr Gyamfi, the scene captured in widely shared social media footage would spark major controversy, giving his opponents ammunition to demand his dismissal.
The incident spiralled into a summons by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah; reprimands by a section of Ghanaians; petitions by a private individual and the Minority in Parliament for a probe.
However, Mr Gyamfi was cautioned, and the matter has been resolved with the Presidency indicating that no further action is expected.