Evangelist Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has stepped forward in defense of Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, following a public uproar over a viral video that shows him handing her a sum of money in U.S. dollars.
The video, which quickly circulated on social media, sparked significant backlash, particularly among members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Critics, including former Kumbungu MP Ras Mubarak, argued that such gestures by high-ranking officials erode public confidence in the Ghanaian cedi and raise concerns about propriety in public service.
During a recent church service, Agradaa addressed the controversy head-on, downplaying the significance of the exchange. According to her, the amount in question was a modest $800—an amount she insists was merely a personal gift, not a transaction deserving of public outrage.
“How much is $800?” she asked congregants. “If you’re a member of the NDC, don’t let this shake you. The Bible teaches us to tap into others’ blessings. If you criticise this kind gesture but later take money from a government official yourself, you’re inviting a curse.”
Agradaa insisted the money was offered in good faith and should be seen as an act of generosity others should aspire to, not condemn.
In response to the backlash, Gyamfi issued a statement of apology via social media. He explained that the gesture was driven by compassion and consistent with his personal values.
“This was simply a kind gesture to a fellow human being, in line with my daily and lifelong custom of lending a helping hand to people in need,” he wrote. “To all my comrades hurt by this, I am sincerely sorry for this unfortunate act of indiscretion.”
However, the issue has taken on greater significance, with Chief of Staff Julius Debrah summoning Gyamfi to the Jubilee House to explain the context of the incident.
