Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Dr. Tanko Rashid Computer, has thrown his support behind President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to end the controversy surrounding Sammy Gyamfi’s dollar gift incident.
Dr. Rashid Computer commended the president for choosing not to take disciplinary action against Gyamfi, describing the move as one that has helped restore calm and defuse unnecessary political tension.
His comments come after President Mahama announced that no further action would be taken against Sammy Gyamfi, acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, following the circulation of a viral video that showed him handing an undisclosed amount of U.S. dollars to evangelist Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, also known as Nana Agradaa.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, May 15, Dr. Rashid Computer defended Gyamfi’s gesture, insisting it was motivated by kindness rather than impropriety.
“Sammy Gyamfi’s action was just out of generosity. The woman was pestering him, and Sammy is just a cheerful giver, that is how the young man is,” he explained.
He further argued that Gyamfi’s background may offer context for his actions, noting that his humble upbringing likely influences his desire to help others—even in situations that may be misunderstood by the public.
“Sometimes, when someone is doing something like that, just watch where he is coming from. It could be that he might not have come from a rich background, so when he sees someone suffering, he wants to help the person.”
The video sparked widespread backlash, with civil society organisations and opposition figures calling for Gyamfi’s dismissal. Critics claimed the act may have breached the Foreign Exchange Act and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, raising concerns about ethical standards in public service.
Nonetheless, President Mahama, on Wednesday, May 14, revealed that Gyamfi had apologised and that the matter would be laid to rest. The decision has since polarized public opinion—welcomed by some as politically pragmatic, but criticised by others as undermining accountability.
Dr. Rashid Computer, however, believes the president made the right judgment call, asserting that it avoided unnecessary drama and allowed the government to refocus on critical national priorities.
“Let us thank the presidency for bringing sanity into this matter. The matter is dead and gone, so let us all allow it to die,” he emphasised.
Dollar gift: Mahama lacks courage to sanction Sammy Gyamfi – Dr. Zaato
