Ghana’s Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has summoned the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, to explain his involvement in a controversial monetary transaction with a polarizing religious figure, a move that underscores growing scrutiny of public officials’ conduct amid efforts to bolster institutional accountability.

The summons follows the circulation of a viral video showing Mr. Gyamfi handing what appears to be a substantial sum of U.S. currency to Patricia Oduro Koranteng—widely known as Nana Agradaa—an evangelist with a checkered past as a former fetish priestess. The footage, widely shared across social media, appears to capture an informal, private exchange between the two individuals.

While the intent and context of the transaction remain unclear, the incident has triggered a wave of public criticism, with many questioning the appropriateness of a senior government official engaging in such dealings with a controversial figure. Observers say the optics could potentially undermine the Mahama administration’s recently unveiled Code of Conduct for Public Officials, which promotes transparency, ethical governance, and a crackdown on corruption.

“The matter is being treated with urgency, particularly given its potential to damage the credibility of ongoing reform efforts,” according to  sources at Jubilee House, the seat of government

Mr. Gyamfi issued a public apology on May 11, characterizing the transaction as a “private act of kindness” that was never intended for public view. Nonetheless, the Chief of Staff has requested his presence to clarify the circumstances and assess any breaches of official protocol.

The incident adds another layer of controversy to Ms. Oduro Koranteng’s public image. Having previously gained notoriety for her involvement in traditional spiritual practices before publicly converting to Christianity, Nana Agradaa has faced repeated legal and reputational challenges, making her a divisive figure in Ghanaian society.

The Ghana Gold Board, under Mr. Gyamfi’s interim leadership, is tasked with overseeing key elements of the country’s mineral wealth. Any perception of impropriety, analysts warn, could have far-reaching implications for public confidence in both the agency and the broader government.

Source:TheDotNews