The Appearing Chief Government Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, now finds himself on trial—not in a courtroom, however within the ever-unforgiving courtroom of public opinion.
As critics cross judgement, his defenders have mounted a passionate defence to protect his ‘saintly’ picture.
On the centre of the controversy is a viral video displaying a greenback money reward handed to self-styled evangelist and founding father of the Heaven Means Church, Patricia Oduro Koranteng—higher referred to as Nana Agradaa.
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Amid the general public uproar, Mr Gyamfi has remained apologetic, pleading for understanding. He described the gesture as “merely a form act to a fellow human being, according to my day by day and lifelong customized of lending a serving to hand to folks in want.”
ALSO READ: Bukom Banku lectures officials on gifting after Sammy Gyamfi-Agradaa dollars saga
His phrases echo the sentiment of Acts 20:35:
In every little thing I did, I confirmed you that by this type of onerous work we should assist the weak, remembering the phrases the Lord Jesus himself mentioned: ‘It’s extra blessed to provide than to obtain.’
However as the group cries “crucify him”, it’s price taking a more in-depth have a look at the curious case of Sammy the ‘Saint’ and Agradaa the ‘Wealthy Beggar’.
The Story of the Cheerful Giver
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2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us:
Every one should give as he has determined in his coronary heart, not reluctantly or below compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Within the viral video that has ignited nationwide debate, Sammy Gyamfi—additionally the Nationwide Communications Officer of the ruling Nationwide Democratic Congress (NDC)—is seen handing over greenback payments to Agradaa at a public occasion.
Later, in a sermon at her church, Agradaa disclosed that she had requested gasoline cash, which resulted within the $800 money reward. The revelation got here simply days after the launch of a brand new Code of Conduct for public officers—elevating severe questions concerning the appropriateness of the gesture.
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Whereas Mr Gyamfi has issued a public apology, describing the act as harmless and well-intentioned, many stay unconvinced.
The ‘Wealthy Beggar’ Paradox
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In Ghana, the tradition of gifting—significantly from politicians to the general public or non secular organisations—is hardly new. However this time, the defence of “serving to somebody in want” doesn’t sit properly with many.
Why? As a result of Agradaa isn’t any bizarre citizen. Her extravagant life-style, luxurious automobiles, and frequent boasts of wealth on social media hardly current her as somebody in want of monetary help.
Listed here are a couple of vital questions:
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Would the backlash be as extreme if the reward had been in Ghana cedis slightly than US {dollars}?
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Would the response differ if the recipient had been a struggling church member or an unknown supporter?
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Is the outrage actually concerning the act itself—or the truth that it was captured on digicam?
Why Gifting Agradaa Appears Dangerous
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Agradaa isn’t any stranger to controversy. Her dramatic transformation from conventional priestess to self-declared evangelist has not erased a troubling previous.
She has been embroiled in a number of allegations of fraud, most notably the notorious Sika Gari money-doubling scandal.
For instance, on 27 April 2021, she was arrested for working a tv station with no licence, opposite to Part 110 of the Digital Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772).
She was additionally charged with selling ‘charlatanic’ commercials. She was subsequently convicted on her personal plea and fined GHS 36,000, with a three-year prison sentence in default.
Agradaa has additionally been regularly seen flaunting her fleet of automobiles and lavish life-style on-line.
In mild of those, it’s troublesome for a lot of to just accept her as a ‘needy’ recipient of public generosity—particularly from a authorities official.
Chief of Employees Summons Sammy Gyamfi – What Subsequent?
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Maybe probably the most damaging facet of this saga is the timing. The controversy erupted simply days after President John Mahama reiterated his administration’s dedication to integrity, transparency, and impartiality in public service.
The optics are undeniably poor: a public official, filmed handing international forex to a extremely controversial non secular determine, undermines that message—and palms a political reward to the opposition New Patriotic Get together (NPP).
ALSO READ: Code of Conduct: 10 strict rules every appointee of President Mahama must follow
But, in a welcome signal of accountability, the Chief of Employees, Julius Debrah, has reportedly summoned Sammy Gyamfi to clarify his actions. This means the federal government is taking the matter significantly, at the least outwardly.
Conclusion
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The Bible reminds us that there’s extra blessing in giving than in receiving. However on this case, the blessing seems wrapped in a package deal of political fallout.
Proverbs 19:17 states:
Whoever is type to the poor lends to the Lord, and He’ll reward them for what they’ve completed.
Sammy Gyamfi’s intentions might have been honest. Nonetheless, in a political local weather the place public belief is fragile and notion is paramount, even a “cheerful reward” can turn out to be a public relations catastrophe.
Giving is certainly noble—however when the giver is a high-ranking public official and the recipient is a determine as controversial as Agradaa, the gesture transcends private kindness. It turns into a public matter—one which should stand as much as scrutiny.
