I would’ve sacked Sammy Gyamfi if I were president – Ken Agyapong

A former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s handling of the recent controversy involving the acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi.

Speaking at the Entrepreneurship and National Leadership event held at Central University on Thursday, May 15, 2025, Mr Agyapong expressed his disapproval of the President’s decision not to take further disciplinary action against Gyamfi.

“Nepotism, favoritism 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.

He went on to decry what he described as growing levels of nepotism and favoritism in public service, stating that such practices are stifling national development.

According to Agyapong, the persistence of nepotism leads to unqualified individuals occupying key positions, a situation he believes must be addressed urgently.

“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 stated.

His comments come in the wake of a viral video that showed Gyamfi handing over an undisclosed amount of U.S. dollars to evangelist Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa.

The video sparked public backlash, with concerns raised about a possible violation of the Foreign Exchange Act and ethical standards expected of public officials.