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Tag: Sammy Gyamfi

  • NDC attack dogs like Suhuyini, Sammy Gyamfi should refrain from attacking my personality – Martin Amidu warns

    NDC attack dogs like Suhuyini, Sammy Gyamfi should refrain from attacking my personality – Martin Amidu warns

    Former Special Prosecutor Martin A. B. K. Amidu has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership, including prominent figures Alhassan Suhuyini and Sammy Gyamfi, of launching a targeted smear campaign against him.

    Amidu claims these attacks, led by NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, are based on unverified allegations about a petition he allegedly submitted for the removal of the current Special Prosecutor.

    Amidu expressed his bewilderment over the situation, questioning why NDC leader and flagbearer John Dramani Mahama would initiate such an aggressive campaign against him.

    “What has really baffled me, and which is what I have been trying to understand, is the reason for which John Dramani Mahama, who is the leader and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has unleashed his NDC attack dogs such as Alhassan Suhuyini, Sammy Gyamfi, and to crown it all, the Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, on me since 17 May 2024,” Amidu stated in a release on May 26.

    The controversy centers around a purported petition dated April 30, 2024, allegedly calling for the removal of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng. Amidu has challenged the authenticity of this document, claiming it lacks proper verification.

    “I cannot understand why the NDC will collaborate with Kissi Agyebeng’s preferred rented media house and his chief executioner, Sampson Lardy Anyenini, to make allegations against me without publishing the alleged petition on which the allegations are based to provide me the opportunity to confirm or deny my signature and rebut or admit the accusations,” he said.

    Amidu also questioned the role of the Chief Justice in this matter, casting doubt on the legitimacy of a document attributed to her. He outlined several inconsistencies and procedural errors that led him to believe the document might be a forgery.

    “I have every reason to question the authenticity of the document attributed to the Chief Justice because I established with mathematical precision with the assistance of information and communication technologies (ICT) that a Joint Statement published at the instance of Kissi Agyebeng as a Joint Statement by the OSP and the Judicial Service of Ghana (JSG) was a forgery by the OSP,” Amidu asserted.

    Furthermore, Amidu criticized the media’s handling of the allegations, particularly targeting Joy FM for what he perceives as biased reporting.

    “Joy FM and the NDC have refused or failed to publish the letter from the Presidency to the Chief Justice or the alleged petition for purposes of authentication to enable a reasoned response from me as the Joy FM’s accused in its trial in the court of public opinion,” he argued.

    Amidu concluded his statement by reaffirming his commitment to fighting corruption and defending the 1992 Constitution, despite the personal attacks and public scrutiny.

    “I will continue to defend the 1992 Constitution against all greedy bastards abusing the rights of citizens under the guise of law enforcement,” he declared.

  • You deserve a 5-year ban from voting – Sammy Gyamfi tells Ahiagbah

    You deserve a 5-year ban from voting – Sammy Gyamfi tells Ahiagbah

    National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has criticized Richard Ahiagbah, Director of Communication for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), suggesting that he should have faced prosecution for his participation in the 2020 general election.

    Gyamfi alleged that Ahiagbah committed a crime by voting in the 2020 election despite his name not being on the voters’ register, and furthermore, he publicly admitted to this offense. He emphasized that electoral laws in the country explicitly prohibit individuals from voting if their names are not listed on the voters’ register.

    “This is a very serious matter. It doesn’t only border on the commission of a crime; it borders on a confession by Richard Ahiagbah that he has committed a crime… Voter registration in Ghana is governed by law. You cannot engage in registration and voting per your own whims and caprices.

    “He himself has confessed to voting in the 2020 elections, both the presidential and parliamentary, when his name was not on the voters’ register. He said that he turned up at the polling station to vote on 7th December 2020, but his name was not on the register. In Ghana, you can’t vote in any public elections unless your name is on the voters’ register,” the NDC national communications officer said during a panel discussion on the Good Morning Ghana programme on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

    He added, “If you check regulation 32 of CI 127, this is what it says: ‘(1) A polling assistant may, before delivering a ballot paper to a person who is to vote at the election, require that person to produce a voter identification card in order to establish that the person is the registered voter whose name and voter identification number and particulars appear in the register. (2) In the absence of a voter identification card, the polling assistant shall identify the name and particulars of the voter as recorded in the Names Reference List… If your name is not on the register, then it means there is no remedy for you; it means your card cannot be authenticated. It is useless. You are not entitled to vote.’”

    Sammy Gyamfi said that the law states that Ahiagbah should have been imprisoned and/or fined and banned from voting for five years after serving his sentence.

    Background:

    Richard Ahiagbah confirmed claims that, despite possessing a legal voter identification card that was granted to him upon completing his voter registration in 2020, his name was not on the register when he went to cast his ballot in an interview with Accra-based Neat FM on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

    “I voted in the 2020 election. You have to ask officials of the EC why I was able to vote even though my name was not on the register.

    “Because I have a voter’s ID card which bears my name. I got it in 2020 when we were asked to register for a new voters’ register. I have the card, and it has the polling station number where I have always been voting,” he said in the Twi dialect.

    He added, “I went to queue to vote on 7th December 2020, and when it got to my turn, the officials said my name was not on the register. So, I asked why my details were not on the register and showed them my documents.”

    The NPP communications director added that the EC official on election day agreed that he should be allowed to vote, but he does not know why they allowed him to vote even though his name was not on the voters’ register.

    In an interview with Accra-based Neat FM on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, Richard Ahiagbah affirmed that despite possessing a valid voter identification card issued to him after completing his registration in 2020, his name was absent from the voter register when he attempted to cast his vote.

  • A-G is plotting to jail Ato Forson – Sammy Gyamfi on Ambulance case

    A-G is plotting to jail Ato Forson – Sammy Gyamfi on Ambulance case

    The National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, has alleged that the Attorney General, Godfred Dame, is plotting to imprison the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, by all means.

    Sammy Gyamfi made this claim following revelations during the cross-examination of the third accused person, Richard Jakpa, in the ongoing ambulance case on Thursday, May 23.

    In a statement to the media after Thursday’s court session, Mr. Gyamfi revealed the efforts being made by the A-G, including contacting the third accused person at unusual hours, all in an attempt to obtain incriminating testimony against the Minority Leader.

    “We have times without number explained why we think that Hon Ato Forson is innocent. And that this case is needless. The minority leader has opened his case and closed it. Currently, the 3rd accused is being cross-examined by lawyers for a minority leader who is the first accused.

    “We were all in court to monitor the proceedings, but we were shocked to the marrow when the 3rd accused under cross-examination disclosed to the court that the Hon Attorney General has been reaching out to him, calling him over the phone that he has reached out to him and met him in person.

    “That the Attorney-General has been asking to give false testimony to the court and skew his testimony in such a way that corroborates the AG, against the first accused so that the first accused can be convicted and jailed. He said this in open court.”

  • Ambulance case : AG wants to adopt every means to imprison Ato Forson – NDC

    National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi has shockingly revealed details of how the Attorney General, Godfred Dame is scheming to jail the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson at all cost.

    According to Sammy Gyamfi, this emerged during the cross examination of the third accused person, Richard Jakpa during the continuation of the ambulance case today.

    Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has made startling claims about Attorney General Godfred Dame’s alleged efforts to ensure the imprisonment of Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

    Gyamfi asserted that these revelations came to light during the cross-examination of Richard Jakpa, the third accused, in the ongoing ambulance case.

    Speaking to the press after the court session, Gyamfi detailed the Attorney General’s alleged attempts, including contacting Jakpa at odd hours, to secure testimony that could incriminate Dr. Ato Forson.

    Speaking to the media moments after today’s court proceedings, Mr Gyamfi disclosed the overtures being made by the AG and the calls to the third accused person at odd hours all in an attempt to get incriminating testimony against the Minority Leader.

    “…He[third accused] said this in open court and asked that it should be put on record and Her Ladyship directed that same should be captured by the record. So what we are talking about is something which is on record. We as a political party are totally scandalized and disgusted by this development.

    “But we are not surprised because we have always known that this is the stock in trade of Godfred Yeboah Dame. This is not a man who is interested in Justice or the rule of Law. This is not a man who is an Attorney General and Minister For Justice.

    This is a devious character with no honour whatsoever, no respect for justice, no respect for the rule of law and the rights of accused persons and who always goes about manipulating judicial processes to get his way at all cost and so we are not surprised that today, his sins have found him out. We are not surprised today that his cup is full, we are not surprised that today, his day of reckoning has come.”

    Sammy Gyamfi added: “He has been doing this over and over again and we have had cause to lament this to the media and the good people of this country time and again. You have been asking for evidence, here is your evidence. Godfred Dame is not the Minister of Justice but Minister for Injustice. He is not interested in the rule of law, but interested in persecuting innocent people.

    He is interested in bending the law to have his way at all cost, and if he can go to a witness and seek to influence the witness to coerce the witness to testify in a manner that will help him achieve his aim, then he is capable of talking to a Judge, a Registrar or any officer of the court to have his way.”

  • A dollar crossing GHC20, It Is Possible – Sammy Gyamfi jabs Bawumia

    A dollar crossing GHC20, It Is Possible – Sammy Gyamfi jabs Bawumia

    The Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has taken a jab at Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), using his own campaign slogan “IT IS POSSIBLE.”

    In a Facebook post on Friday, May 17, Gyamfi highlighted several perceived failures of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, framing them within the context of Bawumia’s “IT IS POSSIBLE” slogan.

    Gyamfi stated, “Folks, one profound campaign message of the NPP and Alhaji Bawumia that I agree with, is their campaign slogan, ‘IT IS POSSIBLE’. This is because:

    1. IT IS POSSIBLE for one dollar to cross GH¢20 under the watch of Bawumia, having increased from GH¢4 in 2016 to over GH¢15 already.
    2. IT IS POSSIBLE for the rate of unemployment to cross 20% under the watch of Bawumia, having increased from 8.4% in 2016 to 14.7% already.
    3. IT IS POSSIBLE for the price of a gallon of petrol to cross GH¢100 under the watch of Bawumia, having increased from GH¢14 in 2016 to over GH¢68 already.
    4. IT IS POSSIBLE for the public debt to cross GH¢1 trillion under the watch of Bawumia, having increased from GH¢120 billion in 2016 to over GH¢630 billion already.
    5. IT IS POSSIBLE for Ghana to lose over $10 billion to corruption under the watch of Bawumia, having lost $2 billion dollars through the stinking PDS scandal he personally orchestrated.
    6. IT IS POSSIBLE for deceptive Bawumia to hoodwink some unsuspecting Ghanaians with his plagiarized promises to scrap the E-Levy, Bet levy, and the emissions levy, having failed to move the nation from taxation to production.
    7. And oh, IT IS POSSIBLE for Bawumia to deceive drivers with his promise to provide them with electric cars, having failed to deliver the concrete roads he promised them in 2017.”

    Mr Gyamfi concluded his post by stating, “Indeed, IT IS VERY POSSIBLE!!! #Bawuliar is spot on on this one.”

  • We won’t let you protect NPP thugs who attack our members during voter registration exercise – NDC tells Police

    We won’t let you protect NPP thugs who attack our members during voter registration exercise – NDC tells Police

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned the Ghana Police Service against shielding members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who are caught disrupting public peace during the ongoing voter registration exercise.

    This comes after the arrest of Collins Dauda, Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, for his alleged involvement in a violent scene at the Kukuom voter registration centre, an action the NDC has condemned.

    According to the NDC, Mr Duada was busy monitoring the ongoing registration exercise in his constituency, Asutifi South and was nowhere near the incident at Kukuom which is located in the Asunafo South constituency.

    The party noted that the violence was orchestrated by thugs associated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and that NDC members were forced to defend themselves against attacks on their members.

    It therefore cautioned the Police against failing to uphold fairness and justice as they carry out their mandate.

    “We wish to remind the Ghana Police Service of their responsibility to protect all stakeholders in the ongoing voter registration exercise. The Ghana Police must display professionalism and impartiality in maintaining law and order, and be fair to all actors in the political space.

    “We cannot accept a situation where the Police choose to watch on and take little action against NPP thugs who unleash unprovoked violence on NDC supporters in broad daylight.”

    The NDC also noted that it is “concerned by the widespread violent incidents across the country in which NDC supporters have been at the receiving end of unprovoked brutalities, intimidation and harassments from the ruling New Patriotic Party, as happened in Adugyama in the Ahafo-ano South East Constituency in the Ashanti region, few days ago.”

    “Even though we in the NDC will never initiate any such attacks, let it be known, that our supporters reserve the right to defend themselves against any violence or attacks,” the party added in a statement.

    1. Court dismisses Sammy Gyamfi’s appeal against NAPO in defamation suit

      Court dismisses Sammy Gyamfi’s appeal against NAPO in defamation suit

      Court of Appeal has denied Mr. Sammy Gyamfi’s request to postpone the enforcement of a judgement that ordered him to pay GH¢500,000 in damages and GH¢40,000 in costs for defamatory statements against Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.

      Mr. Gyamfi, the Communications Director of the opposition National Democratic Congress, sought to challenge the High Court’s decision, but the Appellate Court upheld the lower court’s ruling.

      The High Court, presided over by Justice Charles Gyamfi Danquah, had ordered Mr. Gyamfi to deposit the GH¢500,000 and GH¢40,000 costs into court.

      This decision came after Mr. Opoku Prempeh, the Minister of Energy, filed a defamation lawsuit against Mr. Gyamfi for remarks made during a 2019 Political Press conference, where Mr. Gyamfi linked a kidnapping suspect to the Minister of Energy.

      Now, efforts by Mr. Opoku Prempeh’s legal team, led by Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, are underway to execute the High Court’s decision from October 13, 2022.

    2. Too much lamenting, just get to work – Sammy Gyamfi to OSP

      Too much lamenting, just get to work – Sammy Gyamfi to OSP

      National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has voiced dissatisfaction with Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng regarding the handling of the case involving former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

      Gyamfi criticised the decision to transfer the case to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for investigation, arguing that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) should have conducted its own inquiry into the money laundering allegations against Cecilia Dapaah.

      In an interview with TV3, Gyamfi questioned the OSP’s choice not to include their findings in the docket presented to EOCO, describing it as a “missing link” in the investigation.

      “He was whining and lamenting too much. You are a creation of law, exercise your powers and you are here singing ‘ankonam’.”

      “Kissi Agyebeng announced that a search was being conducted but he couldn’t make the findings public. In referring Cecilia Dapaah to EOCO, he should have at least added the findings that he made through that search. He even told us he collaborated with the FBI, What were his findings? That is a missing link,” he stated.

      Sammy Gyamfi accused the government of attempting to cover up the truth and avoid a thorough investigation into the allegations against Cecilia Dapaah.

      “There is a grand conspiracy by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia NPP government to cover up the truths and real facts of this Cecilia Dapaah case. This should be obvious to any objective bystander.”

      “This government led by the President himself has acted in ways that show they are not interested in an investigation at all and you see, if they think that they are helping Madam Cecilia Dapaah in doing so, then they’re mistaken,” the communication officer stated.

      In a letter dated Thursday, April 25, addressed to EOCO, Attorney General (A.G.) Godfred Yeboah Dame stated that there is no justification for EOCO to investigate Cecilia Dapaah.

      The A.G. highlighted that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) neglected to include their findings from the FBI in the docket submitted to EOCO, following their investigation into the financial transactions involving the former minister.

    3. You collaborated with the FBI, what were the findings? – Sammy Gyamfi asks OSP over Cecilia Dapaah case

      You collaborated with the FBI, what were the findings? – Sammy Gyamfi asks OSP over Cecilia Dapaah case

      The National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has expressed disappointment with Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng over the handling of the case involving former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

      Mr. Gyamfi criticized the decision to refer the case to the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for investigation, stating that the OSP should have conducted its probe into the money laundering allegations against Cecilia Dapaah.

      In an interview with TV3, Mr. Gyamfi questioned the OSP’s decision not to include their report findings with the FBI in the docket presented to EOCO, calling it a “missing link” in the investigation.

      “Kissi Agyebeng announced that a search was being conducted but he couldn’t make the findings public. In referring Cecilia Dapaah to EOCO he should have at least added the findings that he made through that search. He even told us he collaborated with the FBI, what were his findings? That is a missing link,” he stated.

      Sammy Gyamfi accused the government of attempting to cover up the truth and avoid a thorough investigation into the allegations against Cecilia Dapaah.

      “There is a grand conspiracy by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia NPP government to cover up the truths and real facts of this Cecilia Dapaah case. This should be obvious to any objective bystander,”

      “This government led by the President himself has acted in ways that show they are not interested in an investigation at all and you see if they think that they are helping Madam Cecilia Dapaah in doing so, then they’re mistaken,” the communication officer stated.

      The Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, stated in a letter addressed to EOCO dated Thursday, April 25, that there is no basis for EOCO to investigate Cecilia Dapaah.

      According to the AG, the OSP failed to attach their report findings with the FBI to the docket presented to EOCO after probing into the financial transactions of the former minister.

    4. Akufo-Addo’s economic mess will take 50 years to restore under an 8-hour shift – Sammy Gyamfi

      Akufo-Addo’s economic mess will take 50 years to restore under an 8-hour shift – Sammy Gyamfi

      National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has lambasted the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led administration for the current economic challenges facing the country.

      Gyamfi argued that the policies implemented by the current government have caused significant harm to Ghana’s economy, to the extent that remedying the situation would demand an extraordinary effort.

      “The state at which President Akufo-Addo and Bawumia destroyed our economy, if we are working an 8-hour shift, it will take 50 years to restore the economy back,” he said on Accra-based UTV on May 3, 2024.

      He highlighted that the nation’s debt burden has surged to unprecedented levels during President Akufo-Addo’s tenure.

      He voiced serious apprehensions about Ghana’s capacity to obtain additional loans given its precarious financial state.

      “Now, because of our debt, places that all countries borrow from have been told that we can’t get loans anymore because we cannot pay our debt,” he added.

    5. FLASHBACK: ‘Angry’ Nana B assaults ‘defenseless’ Sammy Gyami on live radio

      FLASHBACK: ‘Angry’ Nana B assaults ‘defenseless’ Sammy Gyami on live radio

      Five years ago, chaos broke out on Asempa FM’s Political Talk Show, “Ekosisen” when NPP National Youth Organizer Henry Nana Boakye (better known as Nana B) launched an attack against NDC’s Communications Director, Sammy Gyamfi.

      It is unclear what triggered the attack but reports claimed Sammy Gyamfi was blasting the NPP for the violence recorded at the Asawasa West Wuogon constituency by-election when he incurred the anger of Nana B.

      As Sammy Gyamfi sought to leave the studio after being provoked, Nana B got up from his seat and shoved the head of Sammy Gyamfi.

      The youth wing of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) called for the arrest of Nana B. Less than 24 hours after the incident, Nana B offered a heartfelt apology, however, to the listeners of Ekosisen and Ghanaians, but not Sammy Gyamfi. 

      “Regardless of the repulsive, provocative conduct by the NDC’s National Communications Director on the show which included unacceptable verbal attacks on the President and myself, I am, upon sober reflection, apologising to listeners of Asempa FM and Ghanaians for the manner in which I responded.

      “I wish to assure all that, I remain committed to decent, issue-based discourse on our airwaves and that this unfortunate incident will not be repeated,” he wrote in a statement.

      To Sammy Gyamfi, Nana B said, “I will also encourage my junior brother, Sammy Gyamfi, to be decorous and respectful in his public utterances during such engagements and to, at all times, respect the high office of the President.”

    6. Mahama shared laptops after eliminating 2,000 schools under trees; what has Akufo-Addo done –  Sammy Gyamfi asks Anyidoho 

      Mahama shared laptops after eliminating 2,000 schools under trees; what has Akufo-Addo done –  Sammy Gyamfi asks Anyidoho 


      National Communications Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi compared the achievements of John Dramani Mahama’s administration in the educational sector to those of Akufo-Addo’s administration.

      Gyamfi emphasised that while Mahama’s government focused on crucial educational needs like providing laptops, textbooks, and eliminating schools under trees, the current administration’s priorities are misplaced.

      He criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for distributing tablets while essential resources like capitation grants, textbooks, and chairs remain lacking, pointing out disparities in education access and quality.

      Gyamfi’s remarks underscore the ongoing debate over educational policies and resource allocation in Ghana.

      He urged Koku Anyidoho to stop spreading falsehoods and have a retentive memory of Mahama’s accomplishments.

      “Somebody should tell @KokuAnyidoho that, at the time, the NDC/Mahama government was providing laptops for students, we were not owing six(6) terms of capitation grant; we had provided basic education students all their core textbooks and we had eliminated more than 2000 schools under trees. We had provided basic school children with free uniforms and sandals. Also, we did not have more than two (2) million children in school without chairs and desks.

      At a time when the incumbent NPP government has failed to provide text books to basic school children almost 5 years after the introduction of a new curriculum, government cannot expect praises for the provision of tablets to students at an inflated unit cost of GHS3,200,” Sammy Gyamfi stated in a tweet.

      See post below:

    7. NPP’s provision of tablets to students deserves no praises amidst lack of textbooks, desks – Sammy Gyamfi

      NPP’s provision of tablets to students deserves no praises amidst lack of textbooks, desks – Sammy Gyamfi

      The National Communications Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi has strongly criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for what he considers a misplaced priority in distributing tablets to students.

      According to Gyamfi, the NPP does not deserve praise for this initiative, citing several unresolved issues that he believes should take precedence.

      Gyamfi highlighted concerns such as the lack of textbooks, delays in capitation grants, and the existence of schools under trees as more urgent matters requiring government attention.

      He compared the NPP’s tablet distribution, which he claimed comes at an inflated unit cost of GHS3,200, to the NDC’s efforts during their tenure, including providing laptops for students without accumulating arrears in capitation grants, ensuring access to core textbooks, and eliminating thousands of schools under trees.

      In a tweet, Gyamfi directed a message to Koku Anyidoho, stating that nearly five years after the introduction of a new curriculum, the NPP government has failed to supply textbooks to basic school children.

      He concluded by asserting that the government cannot expect accolades for distributing tablets at such a high cost while fundamental educational needs remain unaddressed.

      “Somebody should tell @KokuAnyidoho that, at the time, the NDC/Mahama government was providing laptops for students, we were not owing six(6) terms of capitation grant; we had provided basic education students all their core textbooks and we had eliminated more than 2000 schools under trees.

      “NPP government has failed to provide text books to basic school children almost 5 years after the introduction of a new curriculum, government cannot expect praises for the provision of tablets to students at an inflated unit cost of GHS3,200,” Sammy Gyamfi stated in a tweet.

      See post below:

    8. Mahama is a leader with an unblemished record, vote for him – Sammy Gyamfi to Ghanaians

      Mahama is a leader with an unblemished record, vote for him – Sammy Gyamfi to Ghanaians

      The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, passionately urged Ghanaians to overwhelmingly support the party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, during an interview on Face to Face on Citi TV.

      In his address, Mr Gyamfi highlighted Mahama’s achievements, stressing his dependability and competence in steering Ghana forward.

      He commended Mahama’s visionary leadership, praising his inherent integrity and honesty.

      “H.E Mahama is trustworthy, he has a proven track record that shows he turned this nation around. He’s tried and tested, he’s an experienced leader and that is the kind of leader we need now, an experienced leader and not an experiment.

      “He’s the one who has the transformational agenda and vision that can work for Mother Ghana. President Mahama [former] exudes honesty seamlessly. He’s natively an honest person.”

      “We know that tag was nothing but propaganda. He has been vindicated by posterity. None of the corruption allegations peddled against him by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia and the NPP stood the test of time.

      Mr Gyamfi also tackled corruption allegations against Mahama, dismissing them as baseless and vindicated by time.

      “They have not been able to adduce a scintilla to buttress any of the allegations that he padded the cost of the Ridge Hospital, allegations that he has stolen money to build luxury buildings, and hotels in Dubai. We know that all those things were fabricated lies by the NPP and their cohorts to tarnish the reputation of Mahama.

      “Mahama is incorruptible, he remains squeaky clean, his integrity is unassailable, and above all he’s honest.”

      “Unlike Bawumia who is reputed as a liar, because he came to office on the back of many lies. They have been exposed.”

    9. Naana Jane on track to make history in Ghana – Sammy Gyamfi

      Naana Jane on track to make history in Ghana – Sammy Gyamfi

      The National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, responded to the announcement of Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the running mate for the party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, in the 2024 general elections.

      In a Facebook post made hours after the announcement, Gyamfi praised Prof. Opoku Agyemang, highlighting her as a woman of substance, integrity, and character.

      The National Executive Committee of the NDC officially confirmed Professor Opoku-Agyemang as the party’s running mate for the upcoming 2024 general elections.

      “She is the honourable woman who will be assisting the Nation Builder, H.E John Dramani Mahama, and the NDC to rescue our beloved country from the clutches of the inept, insensitive, corrupt, wasteful, nepotistic, and useless Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government come December 7, 2024.”

      He added: “By the grace of God, she will be Ghana’s first female Vice President, come 7th January 2025.”

    10. Liar! No case has been filed in the Supreme Court Sammy Gyamfi ‘exposes’ Akufo-Addo on anti-LGBT+ Bill

      Liar! No case has been filed in the Supreme Court Sammy Gyamfi ‘exposes’ Akufo-Addo on anti-LGBT+ Bill

      National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress, Sammy Gyamfi, criticised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his stance on approving the anti-LGBT+ Bill.

      Gyamfi disputed the accuracy of the president’s statement regarding the timing of a lawsuit filed at the Supreme Court.

      While President Akufo-Addo mentioned that a suit was filed on Monday, March 4, Gyamfi pointed out that the filing actually occurred on Tuesday, March 5.

      President Akufo-Addo had previously stated, in a statement dated Monday, March 4, that he would decide on the anti-gay bill’s approval after addressing all associated matters, including those yet to be brought to his attention.

      He cited a lawsuit filed by a private individual challenging the bill’s constitutionality as a reason for the delay in his decision-making process.

      However, according to Gyamfi, the president’s assertion is inaccurate.

      “Why did the President lie to the nation and international community yesterday, that a suit had been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill when he knew that to be false?” he questioned.

      He continued to accuse the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of orchestrating the suit aimed at providing a pretext for President Akufo-Addo to delay assenting to the bill.

      “This legal action is nothing but an NPP-sponsored suit, calculated to serve as a convenient excuse for the President to refuse to assent the Bill on Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values,” he added.

      “The NPP pretended to support the anti-LGBTQI Bill in the open, only to stab the Christian community, the Muslim community, traditional authorities, and Ghanaians at large, in the back.

      “Shame on President @NAkufoAddo, his complicit Vice, Alhaji @MBawumia and the entire NPP, for toying with the values of our nation and the future of our children. The scales are off. Ghanaians now know who the real gay lobbyists are,” he added.


      Renowned Ghanaian journalist Richard Sky made a significant move by submitting a motion to the Supreme Court on March 5. In this motion, he urged the president to abstain from approving the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024.

      Richard Sky’s motion outlines multiple reliefs sought, all of which are based on constitutional provisions and fundamental rights. These reliefs include declarations asserting that the bill’s passage by parliament violated various articles of the constitution, thereby rendering it null, void, and ineffective.

      Below is the full X post by Sammy Gyamfi;

      As can be seen on the face of the writ, the suit challenging the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill was filed in the Supreme Court of Ghana today, March 5, 2024, at about 1 pm.

      This begs the question of how President Akufo-Addo could refer to the suit in his speech yesterday when the same was filed only today.

      How did President Akufo-Addo know, as of yesterday, that the suit had already been filed at the Supreme Court, when the same was filed only today?

      Why did the President lie to the nation and international community yesterday, that a suit had been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill when he knew that to be false?

      This legal action is nothing but an NPP-sponsored suit, calculated to serve as a convenient excuse for the President to refuse to assent to the Bill on Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values.

      The NPP pretended to support the anti-LGBTQI Bill in the open, only to stab the Christian community, the Muslim community, traditional authorities and Ghanaians at large, in the back.

      Shame on President @NAkufoAddo, his complicit Vice, Alhaji @MBawumia and the entire NPP, for toying with the values of our nation and the future of our children. The scales are off. Ghanaians now know who the real gay lobbyists are.

    11. How much did Ghana lose over termination of PDS contract?

      How much did Ghana lose over termination of PDS contract?

      In recent days, the National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has on two occasions claimed that Ghana lost $2 billion as a result of the termination of the Power Distribution Service (PDS) concession agreement.

      In a press statement on February 12, he wrote that “Ghana lost 2 billion dollars as a result of this scandal according to the IEA.”

      A week later, on February 19, at the NDC’s moment of truth press conference, he reiterated that “according to the Institute of Economic Affairs, Ghana lost $2 billion as a result of this scandal, which was orchestrated by Bawumia alone.”

      What are the facts?

      On August 5, 2014, the Government of Ghana signed a deal with the United States Government that required, among other things, that Ghana introduce private sector participation (PSP) in the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

      The U.S. government signed the deal, known as the Power Compact, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

      The deal enjoined Ghana to allow a private operator to inject USD 580 million into ECG over a five-year period. This private operator was to be in charge of the retail and distribution business of ECG.

      According to the original Power Compact agreement, private participation was to involve both foreign and local entities. The foreign entity was to hold 80 per cent of the shares while the local entities were entitled to a 20 per cent stake.

      However, the Akufo-Addo-led government re-negotiated the shareholding structure to 51 per cent Ghanaian and 49 per cent foreign when it assumed office in 2017.

      The government finally settled on three Ghanaian companies, and two foreign entities, which formed the PDS consortium, which started operations in March 2019. In July of that same year, the government suspended the company’s operations because of an issue with PDS’s Demand Guarantee.

      Three months later, in October, the government terminated the contract, claiming that the Ghanaian companies presented a fraudulent Demand Guarantee.

      The US government, through its embassy in Ghana, swiftly responded that the government should reinstate PDS.

      The U.S. government insisted that, regardless of what the government had found, the concessionaire should stand. The government of Ghana did not budge.

      Through the Power Compact, the US had planned to make available USD498,200,000 to improve Ghana’s energy situation. As a result of the Ghana government’s insistence on not reinstating PDS and failing to ensure that ECG was privatized, as the Compact mandated, the US made it clear it will not release the second tranche of USD190 million to Ghana.

      In a presentation in November 2019, the Director of Research at the IEA, Dr John Kwakye, said the US had cancelled several programs because Ghana did not privatise its power companies.

      “Now we found that there was some fraud with the deal and the government decided to cancel it. The US said we need to reinstate it. And they [Ghana government] said no. And they [U.S. government] said, okay, if you are not doing that then you are going to suffer the following consequences,” Dr. Kwakye said.

      “The remaining amount of USD190 million has been cancelled. There is also the cancellation of the concessionaire of USD 580 million. Apart from the Ghana Compact, Ghana was to benefit from a regional compact amounting to 400 million dollars; that has also been cancelled. And then, there is also a World Bank facility which is also energy-related going into the bracket of USD500 million. That has also been cancelled. If you add this all up you are getting close to maybe USD2 billion that we are going to lose.”

      Dr Kwakye went on to say that the American government’s decision “demonstrated the extent” to which they are willing to go to “punish a country that they consider to be recalcitrant or wayward.”

      “Is that fair? Don’t African countries have the right to choose the management structure of their strategic industries? Does it always have to be imposed on us from outside?” he asked.

      When Fact-Check Ghana added the figures put out by Dr John Kwakye of the IEA the figure stood at USD 1.67 billion, which is about 330 million shy of USD2 billion.

      In conclusion, Ghana indeed lost a significant amount of money as a result of the cancellation of the PDS deal. According to the IEA, the amount was close to USD 2 billion. The amount was lost not directly because of the “scandal” but because the U.S. refused to make certain amounts of money available to Ghana after the government objected to demands to reinstate PDS or continue with the privatisation of ECG.

      Source: fact-checkghana.com

    12. Akufo-Addo’s SONA statement was for an imaginary country – Sammy Gyamfi

      Akufo-Addo’s SONA statement was for an imaginary country – Sammy Gyamfi

      National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has strongly criticized President Akufo-Addo’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

      Gyamfi accused the President of violating Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the delivery of the address to Parliament.

      He argued that President Akufo-Addo failed to present the true state of the nation to Parliament, instead speaking about an imaginary country rather than the reality in Ghana.

      During an appearance on JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday, February 28, Gyamfi described Ghana as a nation plagued by despair, corruption, and high unemployment.

      He further asserted that the President appears disconnected from the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.

      “The truth of the matter is that the President violated Article 67 of the 1992 constitution which enjoins him to deliver a message on the state of the nation to the Parliament of Ghana every year and I say he violated that constitutional requirement duty because the statement he presented had nothing to do with the state of our nation.”

      “That statement he read was a state of an imaginary country in the head of the president, clearly, this is a man who is living in a bubble. It is beyond that the state of our country today is one of bankruptcy, economic mess, economic hardships, high unemployment, corruption, wastage, profligacy and insensitivity.”

      President Akufo-Addo delivered his State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament on Tuesday, February 27, fulfilling the constitutional requirements of Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution.

      During his address, the President discussed various issues affecting the country, including efforts to revitalize the Ghanaian economy and ongoing road construction projects.

      Acknowledging the challenges his administration faced in managing the economy, which resulted in significant hardships for the population, President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism about Ghana’s current path to recovery.

      He called on citizens to maintain trust in the government and support its policies aimed at addressing the challenges faced by all.

      However, some critics have expressed concern over the President’s lack of mention of the growing issue of unemployment.

    13. The moment Randy Abbey pulled the breaks on Sammy Gyamfi

      The moment Randy Abbey pulled the breaks on Sammy Gyamfi

      NDC National Communicator, Sammy Gyamfi, sparked a heated debate when he questioned Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s remarks regarding the construction of stadia across the country.

      Mr Gyamfi expressed skepticism over the timing of these projects, particularly as they approached the end of the government’s tenure.

      However, during a live interview on Metro TV’s morning show, “Good Morning Ghana,” Randy Abbey, a respected figure and Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association, intervened.

      Randy Abbey clarified that several stadia were indeed under construction, albeit under the guise of Youth Resource Centers. These facilities, he explained, included FIFA standard stadiums with seating capacities of up to 5,000.

      “They are doing it. They call them Youth Resource Centres. Those facilities include a FIFA standard stadium. They are 5000-seater stadiums and it’s being done through the Ministry of Youth and Sports,” he said.

      Gyamfi, acknowledging Abbey’s input, conceded that Abbey’s expertise on the matter lent credibility to his statements.

      However, he remained cautious, stating his intention to verify the information independently.

      Over the years, the National National Authority suffered from considerable infrastructural deficit at all levels of our operational jurisdiction i.e. Districts, Regional, Youth Leadership Institutes and the National Secretariat.

      Since 2017, the government has provided funds for massive infrastructural projects.

      These include:

      1.Construction of ten (10) Youth Resource Centers of Excellence

      2.Construction of two (2) Astro-Turfs

      3.Facelift and Furnishing of National, Regional and District Offices

      4.Construction of four(4) 300 bed capacity dormitories in four Youth Leadership& Skills Training Institutes

      5.Construction of two(2)1000 sitting capacity multi- purpose halls in two Youth Leadership& Skills Training Institutes i.e Sandema in Upper East and Nalerigu in North East Region

      6.Construction of eight(8) classroom block with a library and ICT center at the Issa Youth Leadership& Skills Training Institute in the Upper West Region

    14. Video: Ghanaians are suffering – Netizens expose NPP, NDC’s opposition message

      Video: Ghanaians are suffering – Netizens expose NPP, NDC’s opposition message

      Netizens are reacting to a viral video showcasing opposition messages from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

      In the footage, NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is seen during his 2016 campaign, accusing former President John Dramani Mahama of causing an economic crisis across various sectors.

      Bawumia asserted, “Teachers are suffering, teachers’ trainees are suffering, nurses are suffering and nurses’ trainees are suffering, patients are suffering, students are suffering, traders are suffering, pensioners are suffering, drivers are suffering, constructors are suffering, civil servants are suffering and farmers are suffering. Fishermen are suffering and industries are suffering.”

      Similarly, the National Communication Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, is heard criticizing the NPP with similar words used by Bawumia while in opposition.

      He listed various groups, stating, “Students are suffering; teachers are suffering; nurses are suffering; doctors are suffering; market women are suffering; drivers are suffering; mates are suffering; Okada riders are suffering; engineers are suffering; pastors are suffering; journalists are suffering; spare parts dealers are suffering; women are suffering; men are suffering; ‘boys boys’ are suffering; ‘girls girls’ are suffering; children are suffering, and all of us are suffering.”

      In response to this comparison, an X user wrote, “Who did it better? Chale, are we coming or going? I just want so much more for my motherland… How long will Ghanaians suffer?”

      In 2021, discontented Ghanaians expressed their dissatisfaction with President Akufo-Addo’s administration through the #FixTheCountry protest held in Accra.

      Protesters, dressed in red and black, passionately chanted patriotic songs and displayed placards calling for an end to corruption and immediate reforms in the education system.

      The protest, was the latest expression of anti-government sentiment since March 2020, following the dismissal of the main opposition party’s challenge to Akufo-Addo’s re-election by the top court.

      Despite securing a second term with a narrow majority in parliament, President Akufo-Addo has faced increasing pressure as Ghana grapples with economic challenges heightened by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

      Protesters voiced their frustrations with chants like, “Nana Akufo-Addo, we’re suffering. Do something for us. Nothing is working,” reflecting discontent with the current state of affairs.

    15. Next NDC administration will prosecute $12m Agyapa deal culprits – Sammy Gyamfi

      The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has pledged to pursue legal action against government officials involved in the controversial $12 million expenditure on the suspended Gold Royalties Monetisation Transaction, (Agyapa deal), if it wins the December polls.

      Addressing journalists during the party’s ‘Moment of Truth’ Press Conference in Accra on February 19, Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer of the NDC, accused the Akufo-Addo government of orchestrating the deal to defraud Ghanaians.

      “Fellow countrymen and women, the “Agyapa” scam clearly amounts to wilfully causing financial loss to the state, and the culprits of same must not go unpunished. We in the NDC, and all well-meaning Ghanaians, repose huge trust and confidence in H.E John Mahama, to pursue and retrieve for the state, public funds that have been lost to looting schemes such as this “Agyapa” scandal, the PDS scandal, the “BOSTGATE” scandal and other acts of naked thievery by officials of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government and their party apparatchiks,” said Sammy Gyamfi, National Communications Officer of the NDC.

      “The flagbearer of the NDC and incoming President, John Mahama, at the time, vowed to cancel the fraudulent Agyapa royalties deal if he won the 2020 general elections. That position has not changed. The OSP found that payments were fraudulently made to some entities under the deal. Entities like Databank, a company founded and still owned by Ken Ofori-Atta, the immediate Finance Minister, and cousin of President Akufo-Addo. The Office of the Special Prosecutor also found similar illegal payments were made to Africa Legal Associates, a law firm belonging to Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko. All these payments were found by the OSP to be unlawful, yet these payments did not benefit the country in any way. The money has gone into the hands of the President, Ken Ofori-Atta, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, and his few cronies.”

      “We have stated times without number that the Agyapa Royalties deal was fraudulent, cooked, and schemed by the corrupt Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government. For the sole purpose of appropriating mineral royalties of the country for themselves in perpetuity. Ghanaians will recall that during the intense public debate on the infamous Agyapa deal, the NDC took a principled decision to stand with the people of Ghana. We kicked against the whole Agyapa arrangement. On grounds that the country’s mineral royalties have been grossly undervalued under the opaque deal. And was going to deny future governments and generations future minerals for development. It is the height of cruelty that the government of President Akufo-Addo and Bawumia engaged in this naked thievery and brazen abuse of the public purse.”

      He further criticized President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for what he termed as a brazen abuse of the public purse.

      Mr Gyamfi highlighted the fraudulent payments made under the deal, specifically mentioning entities like Databank and Africa Legal Associates.

      He emphasized the potential projects that could have benefited the citizens if the funds were allocated appropriately.

      He concluded by lamenting the misuse of public funds, emphasizing that the money from the Agyapa deal could have been used for critical projects benefiting citizens.

      Background

      Parliament passed the Minerals Income Investment Fund Act, 2018 (MIIF Act 978) with the key objective of maximizing the country’s mineral wealth for the benefit of Ghanaians while ensuring that receiving royalties from gold mining companies was sustainable.

      The law was amended to enable it to incorporate subsidiaries and to use it as a special purpose vehicle to do business across the world.

      The main subsidiary of the MIIF and holding company, Agyapa Royalties Investment Ltd, would have been listed on the London Stock Exchange, while its subsidiary, ARG Royalties Ltd, would have been quoted on the Ghana Stock Exchange, both through initial public offerings.

      The company was to be be responsible for managing 75.6 percent of the country’s royalty inflow from the 12 gold mining companies that currently operate in Ghana, with four more expected to come on stream.

      That was to enable the country to raise about $1 billion to finance mining concessions in Ghana and across Africa.

      Following the public uproar that greeted the move and the corruption risk assessment submitted by a former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, to the President.,  President Akufo-Addo in November 2020, instructed the Minister of Finance to resubmit the agreements supporting the Agyapa deal to Parliament for the approval process to start all over again.

    16. Bawumia cannot be trusted in corruption fight – NDC

      Bawumia cannot be trusted in corruption fight – NDC

      The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has leveled accusations of corruption against the Akufo-Addo-led administration.

      During a press conference held at the Adabraka party headquarters on February 19, 2024, Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communication Officer, asserted that Ghanaians are enduring hardship due to corruption within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

      Mr Gyamfi specifically targeted Vice President Bawumia, who also serves as the NPP flagbearer, alleging his involvement in various scandals within the current administration.

      The NDC contended that Dr. Bawumia lacks credibility in fighting corruption and is portrayed to Ghanaians as a “puppet” of President Akufo-Addo, with the primary objective of shielding wrongdoers and covering up the administration’s corruption.

      Mr Gyamfi emphasized, “Today, Ghanaians are suffering because the meagre resources of the country which are supposed to be put to judicious use for the benefit of all Ghanaians, have been hijacked by the greedy, selfish and corrupt Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government and their accomplices in the ruling New Patriotic Party.

      “…we are suffering because of the unprecedented corruption we are witnessing under Akufo-Addo and his corrupt protégé Bawumia. It’s as simple as that,” he said.

      The party has therefore urged Ghanaians to reject Dr. Bawumia and the NPP in the elections and vote to return John Mahama and the NDC to restore accountability.

      “Ladies and gentlemen of the press, the fact is, “appearance fee” merchant Bawumia is corrupt and cannot be trusted to fight corruption. The only way Ghanaians can get to the bottom of the litany of corrupt acts and scandals involving officials of this government including Bawumia himself, is for the good people of Ghana to resoundingly boot the NPP out of office on 7th December, 2024.

      “H.E John Dramani Mahama has demonstrated both in government and out of government, that he detests corruption, and will never condone corruption, nor shield perpetrators of corrupt acts.

      “He has stated clearly, that the days of the corruption clearing agent, will come to an end on January 7, 2025, when by the grace of God, he assumes office as President. He has said and demonstrated before, that the sword of the fight against corruption will cut both ways under his government, whether you are a member of his government or not.

      “… call on the Ghanaian electorate not to allow President Akufo-Addo and his corrupt cabal of family and friends, to install as President, their puppet (Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia), whose sole mission is to cover-up the many ills of this remarkably corrupt administration and insulate wrongdoers including himself, from prosecution,” he added.

      The NDC called on Ghanaians to reject Dr. Bawumia and the NPP in the upcoming elections, advocating for the return of John Mahama and the NDC to restore accountability.

    17. NPP deliberately misleading Ghanaians on Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy – Sammy Gyamfi

      NPP deliberately misleading Ghanaians on Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy – Sammy Gyamfi

      The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has accused the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) of orchestrating a campaign against John Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy.

      Mr. Gyamfi alleges that the NPP is exhibiting signs of nervousness and panic regarding the widespread acceptance of this “commendable policy.”

      He claims that the ruling party is making concerted efforts to undermine the policy’s credibility and popularity among the Ghanaian populace.

      According to Mr. Gyamfi, the NPP lacks innovative ideas and viable policy propositions for job creation as the country approaches the crucial 2024 election.

      He asserted that their primary agenda is to discredit the constructive policies presented by their main political rival.

      In a press release issued on Monday, February 19, Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that the NPP’s attempts to derail Mr. Mahama’s initiatives will be futile, as the Ghanaian people have already embraced them.

      He challenged the NPP to present alternative policies for scrutiny by the Ghanaian electorate before the December polls, so as to enable the citizens make informed decisions based on a comparative analysis of the two parties’ proposals.

      “The failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government has become very jittery and is panicking over how this laudable policy proposal, described by the TUC as a game-changer, continues to gain traction and acceptability among the Ghanaian people.”

      “Clearly, the NPP is bereft of ideas and any sound policy proposition on job creation going into the crucial 2024 election. All the farcical jokes by their discredited flagbearer against the Mahama 24-hour economy strategy, have been roundly rejected by Ghanaians.”

      “This is why they have resorted to a campaign of calumny and deliberate disinformation, ostensibly to discredit the well thought-through 24-Hour Economy Strategy of the nation-builder, H.E John Dramani Mahama.”

    18. Next NDC govt will jail all those behind shady $12m Agyapa Royalties deal – Sammy Gyamfi

      Next NDC govt will jail all those behind shady $12m Agyapa Royalties deal – Sammy Gyamfi

      The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has made a bold declaration to prosecute government officials and individuals involved in the controversial $12 million expenditure on the suspended Gold Royalties Monetisation Transaction, known as the ‘Agyapa deal,’ should the party win the December polls.

      Sammy Gyamfi, National Communications Officer of the NDC, addressing journalists during the ‘Moment of Truth’ Press Conference in Accra on February 19, accused the Akufo-Addo-led government of fraudulent scheming in the deal, aimed at defrauding the Ghanaian populace.

      “Fellow countrymen and women, the “Agyapa” scam clearly amounts to wilfully causing financial loss to the state, and the culprits of same must not go unpunished. We in the NDC, and all well-meaning Ghanaians, repose huge trust and confidence in H.E John Mahama, to pursue and retrieve for the state, public funds that have been lost to looting schemes such as this “Agyapa” scandal, the PDS scandal, the “BOSTGATE” scandal and other acts of naked thievery by officials of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government and their party apparatchiks,” Sammy Gyamfi said.

      He continued, “The flagbearer of the NDC and incoming President, John Mahama, at the time, vowed to cancel the fraudulent Agyapa royalties deal if he won the 2020 general elections. That position has not changed.”

      He noted that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) found that payments were fraudulently made to some entities under the deal.

      “Entities like Databank, a company founded and still owned by Ken Ofori-Atta, the immediate Finance Minister, and cousin of President Akufo-Addo. The Office of the Special Prosecutor also found similar illegal payments were made to Africa Legal Associates, a law firm belonging to Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko. All these payments were found by the OSP to be unlawful, yet these payments did not benefit the country in any way. The money has gone into the hands of the President, Ken Ofori-Atta, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, and his few cronies,” he added.

      https://twitter.com/tv3_ghana/status/1759610028770693176

      Parliament passed the Minerals Income Investment Fund Act, 2018 (MIIF Act 978) with the key objective of maximizing the country’s mineral wealth for the benefit of Ghanaians while ensuring that receiving royalties from gold mining companies was sustainable.

      The law was amended to enable it to incorporate subsidiaries and to use it as a special purpose vehicle to do business across the world.

      The main subsidiary of the MIIF and holding company, Agyapa Royalties Investment Ltd, would have been listed on the London Stock Exchange, while its subsidiary, ARG Royalties Ltd, would have been quoted on the Ghana Stock Exchange, both through initial public offerings.

      The company was to be responsible for managing 75.6 percent of the country’s royalty inflow from the 12 gold mining companies that currently operate in Ghana, with four more expected to come on stream.

      That was to enable the country to raise about $1 billion to finance mining concessions in Ghana and across Africa.

      Following the public uproar that greeted the move and the corruption risk assessment submitted by a former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, to the President, President Akufo-Addo in November 2020 instructed the Minister of Finance to resubmit the agreements supporting the Agyapa deal to Parliament for the approval process to start all over again.

    19. Mahama initiated Mobile Money interoperability initiative – Sammy Gyamfi

      Mahama initiated Mobile Money interoperability initiative – Sammy Gyamfi

      The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, claims that the Mobile Money interoperability initiative, which began in 2016, was initiated under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama.

      According to Gyamfi, during the NDC/Mahama administration in 2016, a contract for the initiative was awarded to SIBTON by the Bank of Ghana.

      Responding to the recent address by the 2024 NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, at UPSA, Gyamfi called on the vice president to provide accurate information to Ghanaians.

      In his public address, Dr. Bawumia praised Ghana’s growth in the mobile money market, crediting the Akufo-Addo government’s investments.

      However, Sammy Gyamfi contradicts Bawumia’s statements, alleging that the vice president terminated an NDC-awarded contract and awarded it to associates.

      Mr Gyamfi asserted that the first MOMO interoperability system contract was awarded to SIBTON in 2016 under the NDC/Mahama government.

      He accused Bawumia of canceling this Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) contract and awarding a new one to his associate’s company.

      Mr Gyamfi refuted Bawumia’s claim that the SIBTON contract was inflated by GHS4.6 billion, explaining that it was a BOT project where the company would charge normal user fees projected to be GHS4.6 billion over a 15-year period, inclusive of setup and operating costs.

      Sammy Gyamfi stated, “On the contrary, the first MOMO interoperability system contract was awarded to a company known as SIBTON by the Bank of Ghana in 2016 under the visionary NDC/Mahama government. Bawumia only came to cancel this Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) contract under false pretenses and awarded a new contract to his crony company.

      “The claim by Bawumia that the SIBTON contract was inflated by GHS4.6 billion is a lie. It was a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) project. Government was not going to spend a pesewa on it. Rather, the company was going to charge the normal user fees which was projected to be GHS4.6 billion over a 15-year period as their gross revenue, inclusive of their setup and operating cost.

      He concluded by stating that even before the current government took office, MOMO interoperability had been conceived and initiated, with a contract signed for that purpose, and calls on Bawumia to stop spreading lies.

      “Even before this BOT interoperability project, Ghanaians could send MOMO across networks through the TOKEN system that the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlements System (GhIPSS) Limited had provided. Remember the TOKEN MOMO SYSTEM? Clearly, even before this government took office, MOMO interoperability had been long conceived and initiated. A contract had been signed to that effect. Bawumia should stop the lies,” he concluded.

    20. Ghanaians are wide awake – Sammy Gyamfi replies Bawumia over Feb 7 address

      Ghanaians are wide awake – Sammy Gyamfi replies Bawumia over Feb 7 address

      National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has launched scathing criticisms against Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of disseminating falsehoods to the Ghanaian public. 

      Mr Gyamfi refuted Dr Bawumia’s assertion that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government effectively resolved the issue of erratic power supply, commonly known as ‘Dumsor,’ emphasizing that the problem was tackled during the Mahama administration.

      He contended that Dr Bawumia’s track record of misleading the public, as observed in previous election campaigns, would not succeed in the upcoming 2024 elections. He expressed confidence that Ghanaians are discerning and would not be swayed by what he termed as Dr. Bawumia’s “lies.”

      “Ghanaians are wide awake, the days when Bawumia could get away with his lectures as we saw in opposition which were full of lies, are gone. He got away with it in 2016 and in 2020, but they will not be third time lucky in 2024. The whole propaganda that he was the economic Messiah, and he had the magic wand has been exposed. The people have no confidence and trust in Bawumia, his people are faced with the challenge of marketing a candidate who is a chronic liar,” Gyamfi asserted during an appearance on the Key Points program on TV3.

      Gyamfi’s remarks come amidst ongoing debates surrounding Dr. Bawumia’s recent address, during which he outlined policy proposals and pledged to abolish the controversial electronic financial transactions tax, known as the e-levy, if elected president.

      However, Akbar Yussif Rohullah Khomeini, an aide to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, offered a contrasting perspective, emphasizing the importance of fostering visionary discourse to drive transformation in Ghana. Khomeini highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s efforts to engage the nation in discussions centered on transformative ideas, noting that such conversations are vital for national progress.

      Speaking on the Key Points program, Khomeini stated, “He has gotten the whole country to engage in discourse bordering on ideas capable of transforming our nations, the conversation should be based on ideas and that is how he has done over the years.”

      The contrasting views expressed by Gyamfi and Khomeini underscore the divergent perspectives prevalent in Ghanaian politics, with each side seeking to shape the narrative ahead of the 2024 elections. As the election season unfolds, the discourse surrounding policy proposals, leadership accountability, and visionary governance is expected to intensify, influencing public opinion and electoral outcomes.

    21. Mahama didn’t run away from his responsibilities – Sammy Gyamfi on Dr. Bawumia’s “driver-mate” analogy

      Mahama didn’t run away from his responsibilities – Sammy Gyamfi on Dr. Bawumia’s “driver-mate” analogy

      The National Communications Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi has strongly urged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to refrain from drawing comparisons between former President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

      Gyamfi emphasised that, unlike Dr. Bawumia, former President Mahama demonstrated a willingness to accept responsibility for his actions during his tenure.

      Sammy Gyamfi criticised Vice President Bawumia, asserting that he lacked credibility in comparison to Mahama.

      “John Dramani Mahama has served as a running mate to the late Professor Mills and as a vice president before. Did you ever hear John Mahama dismiss his roles or claim to be just a mere mate to Professor Mills? Anytime there was a problem, he took blame as he was meant to. So, please don’t lump us together with Mahama and NPP; we can’t be part of such hypocrisy,” Gyamfi stated.

      Dr. Bawumia, the Vice President, appeals to Ghanaians to support his bid for power in the upcoming December 7, 2024, general elections.

      He emphasised that, if granted the opportunity, he intends to lead the nation independently, free from the directives of President Akufo-Addo.

      “As Vice-President, I am like a driver’s mate. But if, by the Grace of God, you make me President, I will be in the driver’s seat with constitutionally mandated authority to pursue my vision and my priorities,” he said at a lecture on Wednesday.

      Watch video below:

    22. Sammy Gyamfi dares Bawumia to provide evidence of 2.1 million jobs (video)

      Sammy Gyamfi dares Bawumia to provide evidence of 2.1 million jobs (video)

      The National Communications Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has issued a bold challenge to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, demanding concrete evidence for the alleged 2.1 million jobs created under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

      Sammy Gyamfi, criticizing the NPP’s inconsistent evidence on job creation, emphasized the current all-time high unemployment rate among the country’s youth.

      He urged Ghanaians not to trust Vice President Bawumia’s words, questioning the credibility of the claims.

      “Where did you create 2.1 million jobs Bawumia? Today the unemployment has increased from 8.4 in 2016 to almost 14 percent according to the Ghana statistical service, an all time high as we speak,” Sammy Gyamfi stated.

      The flag bearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP),Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has asserted that the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government has created more jobs than any previous administration.

      Speaking at the UPSA auditorium on Tuesday in Accra, Vice President Bawumia said the government generated 2.1 million jobs between 2017 and 2022, despite the challenges posed by the global economic crisis.

      He explained that this feat includes the recruitment of 100,000 additional health workers, 100,000 more teachers, and a significant increase in fire service personnel.

      Bawumia stated: “What is probably the most remarkable development in terms of the economy is that our government has created 2.1 million jobs between 2017 and 2022 notwithstanding the global economic crisis. The public sector recruited 1.2 million people while the private sector created 975,000 jobs (per SSNIT data) . We recruited 100,000 more health workers, 100,000 more teachers, more than doubled the fire service personnel, etc. Our government has quite clearly created more jobs in a seven year period than any government. This is truly remarkable under the circumstances even though we still have to create more jobs”.

      Watch video below:

    23. If the messenger lacks credibility, his message is gibberish – Sammy Gyamfi jabs Bawumia

      The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Director, Sammy Gyamfi, has strongly criticized Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of making empty promises and lacking credibility in his messages.

      Gyamfi’s comments come in response to Bawumia’s recent address at the University of Professional Studies in Accra (UPSA).

      During the address on February 7, the Vice President outlined several visions aimed at improving Ghana if given the opportunity.

      These visions included the cancellation of the E-levy, emissions tax, VAT on electricity, and the introduction of digital interventions to enhance the healthcare sector.

      However, Gyamfi took issue with Bawumia’s credibility, particularly highlighting a controversial statement where the Vice President likened himself to a “driver’s mate,” suggesting he is under the control of the President and incapable of making decisions independently.

      Gyamfi criticised Bawumia’s utterances as gibberish and lacking credibility, referencing past instances where the Vice President’s promises were allegedly unfulfilled.

      He cited an example from 2020 when Bawumia announced the construction of an ultra-modern harbour in Cape Coast, which, according to Gyamfi, turned out to be unsubstantiated.

      “Was it not the same Bawumia who stood at Cape Coast just this 2020 and said that good people of Cape Coast, I have good news for you, we are building for you an ultra-modern harbour when at the time, not a single block had be laid anywhere for the construction of the harbour. Even his own president when he was asked about this interview denied knowledge, that should tell you how dishonest this President is.

      “I am trying to tell you Bawumia lacks credibility, his message is gibberish, his message is junk, there is nothing you can do with the words of a liar,” Sammy Gyamfi stated.

      Watch video below:

    24. Bawumia is pretending to be an opposition leader in his own government – Sammy Gyamfi

      The National Communications Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has strongly criticized Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of deflecting responsibility for the economic challenges facing the nation.

      Gyamfi contends that both President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia are collectively responsible for the economic turmoil attributed to the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

      During a morning show discussion on Metro TV, Gyamfi asserted, “The primus inter pares in this government is Nana Addo, his words and responsibilities to people… Akufo-Addo times without number has told us when it comes to the economy, the man in charge is Bawumia.”

      He challenged the Vice President’s attempt to downplay his role and shift blame, emphasizing that Bawumia is acting like an opposition leader within his own government.

      Gyamfi accused Bawumia of pretending to be detached from the government’s economic mismanagement while highlighting the Vice President’s acknowledgment of the administration’s failures.

      He remarked, “Vice President Bawumia knows that the government that he is now a part of, which he is pretending not to be a part of, he is pretending now to be an opposition leader in his own government.”

      Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia clarified his role as the chairman of the Economic Management Team (EMT), asserting that he lacked the authority to make decisions.

      Addressing the nation on Wednesday, January 7, 2024, during his presentation as the flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party, Dr. Bawumia emphasised that the EMT, as a sub-committee to Cabinet, did not possess decision-making powers.

      “I am grateful to have been appointed as Chairman of the Economic Management Team (EMT). However, we do not wield any decision-making authority as a sub-committee to Cabinet,” he remarked.

      Dr. Bawumia underscored that his role primarily involved offering advice to the President’s Cabinet, expressing pride in the quality of counsel provided over the years.

      Watch video below:

    25. Why accept praise for Agenda 111 but shy away from your failures? – Sammy Gyamfi asks Bawumia

      Why accept praise for Agenda 111 but shy away from your failures? – Sammy Gyamfi asks Bawumia

      National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has raised concerns over Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s attempts to distance himself from certain government policies.

      In his view, both President Akufo-Addo and the vice president should be held accountable for the current challenges facing the country.

      “How can Kabiru in one breath say that Bawumia was a mere agent and hence can not take liability or blame for the failures of Principal, yet in another breath they give Bawumia credit for the success of the Principal?

      “Why is Bawumia being credited for one constituency one ambulance, agenda 111, why? Why is that the case? They are not saying that the credit should go to Akufo-Addo because Bawumia was a mere agent. Hypocrite, that is what they are,” he said on Joy FM’s Top Story on February 8.

      Sammy Gyamfi’s remarks come in response to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s call for Ghanaians to elevate him from the role of a “driver’s mate” to that of a “driver.”

      This analogy suggests a desire for increased responsibility and authority within the government. Additionally, Dr. Tiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama, the Vice President’s Technical Advisor, has argued that Dr. Bawumia’s role is primarily advisory, implying limitations in his ability to effect substantial change as he is not the President.

      On the back of this, Mr Gyamfi said “If the Vice President is a mere advisor, he is a mere agent, then my question is this, ‘how come in 2016, Dr Bawumia directed 170 questions to then Vice President and Chairman of the Economic Management Team, Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur?  

      “Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur was vice? Was he not a mere agent of John Mahama per their logic?”

      Sammy Gyamfi expressed frustration at the National Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer’s apparent marginalization of President Akufo-Addo in his pursuit of political power.

      “Akufo-Addo is looking like a lonely old man. I am just feeling pity for him. This is the time that his Vice President whom he entrusted with the management of the economy has to stand by him and say look we take collective responsibility. We have failed, we could have done things better, we have failed,” he added. 

    26. Akufo-Addo is now a pitiful, lonely old man because of Bawumia – Sammy Gyamfi

      Akufo-Addo is now a pitiful, lonely old man because of Bawumia – Sammy Gyamfi

      National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has expressed frustration at the National Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer’s apparent marginalization of President Akufo-Addo in his pursuit of political power.

      He has raised concerns over Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s attempts to distance himself from certain government policies that have not been successful and pin them on his boss, President Akufo-Addo.

      In his view, both the President and Vice President should be held accountable for the current challenges facing the country.

      “How can Kabiru in one breath say that Bawumia was a mere agent and hence can not take liability or blame for the failures of Principal, yet in another breath they give Bawumia credit for the success of the Principal?

      “Why is Bawumia being credited for one constituency one ambulance, agenda 111, why? Why is that the case? They are not saying that the credit should go to Akufo-Addo because Bawumia was a mere agent. Hypocrite, that is what they are,” he said on Joy FM’s Top Story on February 8.

      Vice President Dr. Bawumia’s policies seem to shift all blame onto President Akufo-Addo, whom he believes has been abandoned.

      According to him, “Akufo-Addo is looking like a lonely old man. I am just feeling pity for him. This is the time that his Vice President whom he entrusted with the management of the economy has to stand by him and say look we take collective responsibility. We have failed, we could have done things better, we have failed,” he added. 

      Sammy Gyamfi’s remarks come in response to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s call for Ghanaians to elevate him from the role of a “driver’s mate” to that of a “driver.”

      This analogy suggests a desire for increased responsibility and authority within the government. Additionally, Dr. Tiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama, the Vice President’s Technical Advisor, has argued that Dr. Bawumia’s role is primarily advisory, implying limitations in his ability to effect substantial change as he is not the President.

      On the back of this, Mr Gyamfi said, “If the Vice President is a mere advisor, he is a mere agent, then my question is this, ‘how come in 2016, Dr Bawumia directed 170 questions to then Vice President and Chairman of the Economic Management Team, Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur?  

      “Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur was vice? Was he not a mere agent of John Mahama per their logic?”

    27. You allowed Bawumia ask Amissah Arthur 170 questions on economy despite knowing he was an advisor – Sammy Gyamfi slams Kofi Bentil

      You allowed Bawumia ask Amissah Arthur 170 questions on economy despite knowing he was an advisor – Sammy Gyamfi slams Kofi Bentil

      The National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, has gone hard on Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil for absolving Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of blame for the government’s inefficiency due to his “powerless”role.

      Over the weekend, Mr. Bentil encouraged Ghanaians to give Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia a “fair and objective hearing” in his aspiration to become President.

      Mr. Bentil expressed the belief that if given the opportunity to serve as President of Ghana, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer would excel.

      According to Mr. Bentil, Dr. Bawumia functions as an advisor, and his authority is confined to specific areas of governance. Despite this, he commended Dr. Bawumia, highlighting his exemplary performance and achievements in the role of Vice President.

      Mr. Bentil suggested that Dr. Bawumia’s accomplishments set him apart when compared to other individuals who have previously held the position of Vice President in Ghana’s history.

      Reacting to this, Sammy Gyamfi noted that if Mr Bentil had this information all this while, why did he keep mute when Vice President Dr Bawumia posed over 100 questions to the late Amissah Arthur who was then Vice President to President John Mahama.

      “If the logic of your argument is to be accepted, then on what basis did Bawumia in opposition, pose 170 questions to then Vice President, Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur? What do you take Ghanaians for Mr. Bentil? Some zombies? It is a fact that your new Boss Bawumia, is responsible for the unprecedented economic mess Ghanaians are currently faced with. No amount of political subterfuge can change this fact,” Mr Gymafi wrote in a post on X over the weekend.

      Mr Gyamfi noted that no developmental project can be associated with Dr Bawumia, if indeed he was made dormant and only worked as an advisor to President Akufo-Addo.

      He noted that the ‘advisor’ role being communicated by Mr Bentil is false as Dr Bawumia Bawumia has been given credit for the Agenda 111 initiative, the Drone delivery system, among others.

      “As for your claim that Bawumia has only been an advisor to the failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, even President Akufo-Addo and Bawumia himself will disagree with you on that. If that were so, why do you and other NPP surrogates continue to give Bawumia credit for the Agenda 111 initiative, the Drone delivery system, government’s so-called digitalization initiatives, among others?

      “Can you tell us why President Akufo-Addo in his 2018 SONA, lauded Bawumia’s “stellar leadership” of the Economic Management Team, and credited him for what he described as positive economic results at the time?

      Sammy Gyamfi argued that Ghanaians had already given Dr. Bawumia ample attention in 2016 during his numerous lectures and forums. Gyamfi emphasized that as the chairman of the Economic Management Team, Vice President Bawumia should be focused on implementing concrete actions to revive the economy rather than engaging in lectures.

      Despite Dr. Bawumia’s role, Mr Gyamfi asserted that the Vice President has experienced significant failure and, in his view, cannot be trusted with the highest office in the land to effectively govern the country.

      “For your information, Ghanaians gave Bawumia ample hearing in 2016 when he held countless lectures and fora to propound lofty but deceptive economic rhetoric.”

      “At each of those lectures, Bawumia diagnosed the challenges of Ghana’s economy and proceeded to fix our problems rhetorically. Ghanaians were so much in awe of Bawumia’s “charm” and “wizardry” that they trusted him to manage Ghana’s economy. Need I remind you, that at a time when Bawumia as chairman of the Economic Management Team, has supervised the total destruction of the economy, what is required of him, is ACTION and not lectures? This is trite and you of all people should know that.”

    28. Bawumia can’t be advisor to Akufo-Addo’s failed govt and still be best Vice President ever – Sammy Gyamfi tells Kofi Bentil

      Bawumia can’t be advisor to Akufo-Addo’s failed govt and still be best Vice President ever – Sammy Gyamfi tells Kofi Bentil

      The National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, has criticized Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, for encouraging Ghanaians to consider giving the New Patriotic Party flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a chance in the December elections.

      Mr Bentil over the weekend encouraged Ghanaians to give Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia a “fair and objective hearing” in his his quest to become President.

      Mr. Bentil expressed the belief that if given the opportunity as President of Ghana, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would do a better job.

      According to him, Dr Bawumia “is like an advisor” as such his authority is restricted to specific areas of governance.

      Nonetheless, he noted Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has excelled in his role and has demonstrated qualities and achievements that make him stand out when compared to other individuals who have held the position of Vice President in Ghana’s history.

      Reacting to this, Sammy Gyamfi argued that Ghanaians had already given Dr. Bawumia ample attention in 2016 during his numerous lectures and forums. Gyamfi emphasized that as the chairman of the Economic Management Team, Vice President Bawumia should be focused on implementing concrete actions to revive the economy rather than engaging in lectures.

      Despite Dr. Bawumia’s role, Mr Gyamfi asserted that the Vice President has experienced significant failure and, in his view, cannot be trusted with the highest office in the land to effectively govern the country.

      “For your information, Ghanaians gave Bawumia ample hearing in 2016 when he held countless lectures and fora to propound lofty but deceptive economic rhetoric.”

      “At each of those lectures, Bawumia diagnosed the challenges of Ghana’s economy and proceeded to fix our problems rhetorically. Ghanaians were so much in awe of Bawumia’s “charm” and “wizardry” that they trusted him to manage Ghana’s economy. Need I remind you, that at a time when Bawumia as chairman of the Economic Management Team, has supervised the total destruction of the economy, what is required of him, is ACTION and not lectures? This is trite and you of all people should know that.”

    29. Why attribute Agenda 111, drone delivery system, to Bawumia if he is just Akufo-Addo’s advisor – Sammy Gyamfi chides Kofi Bentil

      Why attribute Agenda 111, drone delivery system, to Bawumia if he is just Akufo-Addo’s advisor – Sammy Gyamfi chides Kofi Bentil

      The National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, has voiced criticism against Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil for urging Ghanaians to contemplate supporting the New Patriotic Party flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the December elections.

      Over the weekend, Mr. Bentil encouraged Ghanaians to give Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia a “fair and objective hearing” in his aspiration to become President. Mr. Bentil expressed the belief that if given the opportunity to serve as President of Ghana, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer would excel.

      According to Mr. Bentil, Dr. Bawumia functions as an advisor, and his authority is confined to specific areas of governance. Despite this, he commended Dr. Bawumia, highlighting his exemplary performance and achievements in the role of Vice President.

      Mr. Bentil suggested that Dr. Bawumia’s accomplishments set him apart when compared to other individuals who have previously held the position of Vice President in Ghana’s history.

      Reacting to this, Mr Gyamfi noted that no developmental project can be associated with Dr Bawumia, if indeed he was made dormant and only worked as an advisor to President Akufo-Addo.

      He noted that the ‘advisor’ role being communicated by Mr Bentil is false as Dr Bawumia Bawumia has been given credit for the Agenda 111 initiative, the Drone delivery system, among others.

      “As for your claim that Bawumia has only been an advisor to the failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, even President Akufo-Addo and Bawumia himself will disagree with you on that. If that were so, why do you and other NPP surrogates continue to give Bawumia credit for the Agenda 111 initiative, the Drone delivery system, government’s so-called digitalization initiatives, among others?

      “Can you tell us why President Akufo-Addo in his 2018 SONA, lauded Bawumia’s “stellar leadership” of the Economic Management Team, and credited him for what he described as positive economic results at the time?

      “If the logic of your argument is to be accepted, then on what basis did Bawumia in opposition, pose 170 questions to then Vice President, Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur? What do you take Ghanaians for Mr. Bentil? Some zombies? It is a fact that your new Boss Bawumia, is responsible for the unprecedented economic mess Ghanaians are currently faced with. No amount of political subterfuge can change this fact,” Mr Gymafi wrote in a post on X over the weekend.

      Sammy Gyamfi argued that Ghanaians had already given Dr. Bawumia ample attention in 2016 during his numerous lectures and forums. Gyamfi emphasized that as the chairman of the Economic Management Team, Vice President Bawumia should be focused on implementing concrete actions to revive the economy rather than engaging in lectures.

      Despite Dr. Bawumia’s role, Mr Gyamfi asserted that the Vice President has experienced significant failure and, in his view, cannot be trusted with the highest office in the land to effectively govern the country.

      “For your information, Ghanaians gave Bawumia ample hearing in 2016 when he held countless lectures and fora to propound lofty but deceptive economic rhetoric.”

      “At each of those lectures, Bawumia diagnosed the challenges of Ghana’s economy and proceeded to fix our problems rhetorically. Ghanaians were so much in awe of Bawumia’s “charm” and “wizardry” that they trusted him to manage Ghana’s economy. Need I remind you, that at a time when Bawumia as chairman of the Economic Management Team, has supervised the total destruction of the economy, what is required of him, is ACTION and not lectures? This is trite and you of all people should know that.”

    30. Bawumia is only a talkative, he can embark on talk-a-thon for 50 days without break – Sammy Gyamfi

      Bawumia is only a talkative, he can embark on talk-a-thon for 50 days without break – Sammy Gyamfi

      National Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, Ghanaians are no longer interested in Vice President Bawumia’s speeches and lectures of empty promises.

      Instead, they want to see concrete actions and the fulfillment of promises he made during his time in opposition.

      “Ghanaians are not interested in these many speeches by Bawumia again. He gave countless lectures. he said so much in opposition. As we speak now, what Ghanaians are interested in are actions. The implementation of the promises he gave when he was in opposition. We are looking forward to the things he said he will do so we will be comfortable. Ghanaians are watching the things he did contrary to what he promised. Not talkinism. We know him. He is a brgadoucious talkative. So when you place a microphone before him, he can do a talk-a-thon for 50 days without break. He brags and talks plenty. He knows nothing about handling the economy and job creation,” Mr. Gyamfi told the media.

      Given the current socio-economic conditions in the country, the NDC representative asserted that Ghanaians will not be swayed by the NPP leader’s persuasive words.

      “Bawumia is the most deceptive person in Ghana; I can sit here and predict everything he will say. He is entirely devoid of substance and a dishonest individual,” emphasized Mr. Gyamfi.

      Dr. Bawumia is set to deliver a crucial message outlining his vision for the country ahead of the December 7 elections on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

      The Vice President’s speech is anticipated to focus on utilizing technology, data, and systems to promote inclusive economic growth.

      However, Sammy Gyamfi urged Dr. Bawumia to refrain from making empty promises and instead focus on fulfilling his responsibilities.

      “We are keen on observing your actions and implementations. The falsehoods have become too prevalent,” he added.

    31. Sammy Gyamfi accuses Akufo-Addo govt of institutionalizing corruption

      Sammy Gyamfi accuses Akufo-Addo govt of institutionalizing corruption

      National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi Esq., has taken a swipe at the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led government, accusing it of institutionalizing and perpetrating corruption. 

      The post follows the release of the latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI), where Gyamfi asserts that Ghana’s fight against corruption has been lost under the current administration.

      Gyamfi highlighted that Ghana’s best CPI performance was in 2014, during John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, with a score of 48. In contrast, the worst performance in the last decade occurred in 2017 under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, with a score of 40. He emphasized that Mahama’s worst score was 43 in 2016, which remains the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government’s best score.

      The NDC Communications Officer claimed that corruption had become a thriving venture under the current government, listing various scandals such as BOSTGATE, PDS, PPA Contracts for Sale, “Galamsey” fraud, Ameri Novation, missing excavators, missing fertilizers, missing oil, missing tricycles, Sputnik V Vaccine, COVID-19 funds, Number 12, Appearance Fee, Gold Mafia, stolen rice, and the latest SML scandal.

      Gyamfi accused the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration of facilitating, perpetrating, and promoting corruption, leading to unprecedented financial losses for the state. He criticized the government for not protecting the public purse, as promised in opposition, and for allegedly shielding co-perpetrators of corruption from accountability.

      The NDC official also alleged that instead of fighting corruption, the government had targeted corruption fighters, citing the murder of journalist Ahmed Suale, the ousting of Auditor General Yao Domelevo, the resignation of Special Prosecutor Martin A.B.K Amidu, and the oppression of journalists.

      In conclusion, Gyamfi urged voters not to support a “third-term” for what he labeled the “Corrupt Akufo-Addo and his greedy cabal of family and friends.” He called for accountability through voting for John Dramani Mahama in the upcoming elections.

    32. Lithium deal: Govt’s pride in 10% royalty, a celebration of mediocrity – NDC’s Sammy Gyamfi

      Lithium deal: Govt’s pride in 10% royalty, a celebration of mediocrity – NDC’s Sammy Gyamfi

      NDC’s Sammy Gyamfi has lambasted the government over its ‘celebration’ of the “10% royalty” under the controversial lithium deal.

      His remarks come after the government signed a deal with Barari DV Ghana Ltd., a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Ltd. for the exploitation of lithium in the Ewoyaa area of the Central Region for a period of 15 years, starting next  year, 2024.

      Amid the fierce resistance the government has faced over the transparency of the deal, among others, the government and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources have defended the deal, saying that it is one of the best in the world  as it stands to offer an unprecedented 10% royalty and 19% state participation in the mining company.

      However, Sammy Gyamfi, in a statement explaining the deal and at the same time expressing his disapproval of it, labelled the government’s pride in the’meager’ ‘ benefit as a “celebration of mediocrity.

      “Beyond that, strict provisions on tax compliance and enforcement are required to ensure that the state is not cheated through transfer pricing and creative accounting. It is important to make the point that the government’s boastful claim about securing a 10% royalty under the deal is a celebration of mediocrity,” the statement said.

      The NDC argues that, despite the government’s assertion that Barari DV will be subject to a 35% corporate tax rate, there is a crucial need for clarity regarding the company’s status and a comprehensive disclosure of concessions granted.

      According to the NDC, the Mining Lease stipulates that Barari DV should pay taxes in adherence to Ghana’s mining laws, creating room for ambiguity and speculation. 

      The NDC’s concerns centre around the need for transparency and accountability in the lithium deal, urging the government to provide clear and unambiguous information to address uncertainties and ensure public trust in the agreement.

      “It is therefore imperative for government to clarify the status and tax obligations of Barari DV and its parent company. Ghanaians deserve to know whether or not the company is a free zone company and why a mining company should be accorded free zone status. 

      “Ghanaians deserve to know all the concessions the government is giving the company (Barari DV/Atlantic Lithium) for a holistic assessment of the benefits of the deal.

      “What the Mining Lease expressly provides is that Barari DV shall pay taxes in accordance with the mining laws of Ghana, without more. We are, however, told that the company is registered under the Ghana Free Zones Authority and is entitled to a 10-year tax holiday, when such tax concessions are ordinarily not granted to mining companies in the country. This, if true, will deprive the country of corporate taxes during the first ten years of the Ewoyaa Lithium Project. 

    33. Ghana to become an export-led economy through 24-hour economy policy – Sammy Gyamfi

      Ghana to become an export-led economy through 24-hour economy policy – Sammy Gyamfi

      The Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, highlighted that the party’s plan for a 24-hour economy aims to transform Ghana into an export-led economy and achieve self-sufficiency.

      Speaking on The Probe on JoyNews, he emphasized that the 24-hour economy strategy is a key driver to attain true economic transformation, prosperity for all, and well-paying jobs.

      “That is the overarching vision of this 24-hour economy. The 24-hour economy strategy would be the main driver of this strategy. And so, the rationale is simple. We are saying that for us to see the true transformation that delivers prosperity for all, true economic transformation that delivers decent, well-paying jobs for the people of this country, we need to invest in the productive sectors of the economy to achieve self-sufficiency and achieve an export-led economy.”

      “That is why President Mahama has said that to achieve this, we are going to prioritize agribusinesses and agro-processing. We are going to prioritize modernization and mechanization of agriculture. We are going to prioritize manufacturing and value addition. We are going to prioritize the provision of the necessary incentives for the private sector to try for them to play their role in this economy.”

      Mr Gyamfi explained that President Mahama’s vision prioritizes sectors such as agribusiness, agro-processing, modernization of agriculture, manufacturing, and value addition.

      He emphasized the need for an extended work system beyond the traditional eight-hour format, stating that working only eight hours is inadequate for the required efficiency, productivity, and growth.

      “We need to create sustainable jobs and prosperity for the people of this country. God has given us 24 hours, why do we have to waste 16 hours and only work 8 hours when all the advanced economies will create various degrees of 24-hour economies?”

      “What we are saying is that under this overarching vision of transforming Ghana, all the interventions and policies we are going to roll out must lead to a situation where businesses, companies and certain public services run 24/7,” he added.

      The overarching goal is to create sustainable jobs and prosperity for the people by allowing businesses, companies, and public services to operate 24/7.

      Mr Gyamfi addressed criticisms of the proposal, noting that the 24-hour economy concept is not a mere political rhetoric but a well-thought-out strategy rooted in the 40-year development plan.

      While political opponents have criticized the idea, Gyamfi highlighted that the party has measures and incentives, including creating a secure and safe atmosphere, to support the implementation of the 24-hour economy.

      “This is not a mere political rhetoric. It’s important to make that point, neither is it a mere slogan calculated for votes. It is a well-thought-through strategy which has its roots in the 40-year development plan which was put together under the erstwhile John Mahama government and published in 2018, I believe.”

      “This is going to be a deliberate intervention by the government to create the enabling environment that will make it possible for a lot more companies, businesses and public institutions to operate around the clock.”

      He emphasized that it is a deliberate intervention by the government to enable companies, businesses, and public institutions to operate around the clock.

    34. Sammy Gyamfi dismisses govt’s GHS1trillion GDP projection, cites GHS100 trillion achievements in 2006

      Sammy Gyamfi dismisses govt’s GHS1trillion GDP projection, cites GHS100 trillion achievements in 2006

      The Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has challenged the government’s claim of achieving a GH¢1 trillion Gross Domestic Product by 2024, asserting that Ghana had already reached this milestone in 1999 and 2006.

      The Finance Minister, on the other hand, presented this as an unprecedented accomplishment in the country’s history.

      In a statement in reaction to the 2024 budget, he said: “The projected nominal GDP of GHS1 trillion therefore has no significant positive bearing on the ever-worsening livelihoods of Ghanaians. It means nothing for the ordinary Ghanaian whose economy is his pocket,” Sammy Gyamfi said in the statement.

      Below is Sammy Gyamfi’s full statement:

      The lowest point in the 2024 budget speech, was when the Finance Minister sought to celebrate Ghana’s nominal GDP reaching the trillion cedi mark.

      The truth of the matter is that, this increase in nominal GDP has come about as a result of the extremely high rate of inflation we have witnessed in recent time. It is not indicative of actual growth in production whatsoever.

      In a high inflation environment as we’ve seen in the last couple of years, it is not surprising that nominal values will record big jumps. Hence, nominal GDP may indicate an increase whereas it is all fluke.

      What is most important, is real GDP which takes into account inflation. Any economist worth his salt should know this. This is trite.

      The projected nominal GDP of GHS1 trillion therefore has no significant positive bearing on the ever-worsening livelihoods of Ghanaians. In fact, it means nothing for the ordinary Ghanaian whose economy is his pocket.

      If nominal GDP is anything to go by, then Ken Ofori Atta must be reminded, that what he is touting as a great achievement is no news at all. Ghana’s nominal GDP stood at over 19 trillion cedis in 1999 before redenomination. By 2006, Ghana’s nominal GDP had exceeded 100 trillion cedis. Again, the facts show, that the NDC government increased Ghana’s nominal GDP from 17.6 billion cedis in 2008 to 167 billion cedis in 2016 (pre-rebasing).

      The failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government must stop majoring in minors and focus on important economic factors that significantly impact the livelihoods of Ghanaians. Suffering Ghanaians deserve better!

      SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ.
      National Communications Officer, NDC

    35. Sammy Gyamfi files RTI requests regarding galamsey to various authorities

      Sammy Gyamfi files RTI requests regarding galamsey to various authorities

      National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s national communications officer, Sammy Gyamfi, isn’t giving up on his goal of making sure that everyone responsible for the country’s galamsey activities faces consequences.

      Thus, he has asked four government agencies for information on the operations of Heritage Imperial Company Limited in the Apamprama forest reserve through a Right to Information (RTI) request.

      The Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Forestry Commission are among the organizations who filed the petition.

      An excerpt of Mr Gyamfi’s petition said, ”I believe that the requested information will enable me to assist the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to conduct thorough investigations into this matter to punish anyone found culpable.”

      The NDC issues a warning to government appointees involved in illegal mining, promising accountability if they come to power in 2024.

      The party, concerned about the environmental impact of illegal mining, calls for its immediate cessation. Sammy Gyamfi, NDC’s National Communications Officer, delivers this message during a press briefing on October 16.

      “We hereby serve notice, that even if they are let off the hook today, they will not escape the long arms of the law tomorrow, because crime has no expiry date.”

      “Until this is done, we shall make no headway in our fight against illegal mining and our beloved country, will have no sustainable future,” he said.

      However, Mr. Gyamfi accused Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and President Akufo-Addo of being responsible for the wanton devastation of the country caused by “galamsey.”

      The Attorney General and the Minister for Justice have praised the government’s accomplishments in the battle against galamsey despite this danger.

    36. Sammy Gyamfi cautions deputy A-G against allowing his position to be exploited for hide illegal mining activities

      Sammy Gyamfi cautions deputy A-G against allowing his position to be exploited for hide illegal mining activities

      Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, remains unsatisfied with Attorney General’s response to the opposition’s call for his resignation.

      He expressed concern over the Attorney General’s clearance of government officials from allegations of involvement in illegal mining, citing substantial public evidence.

      Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah Yeboah reiterated the office’s lack of sufficient evidence during a Joy FM discussion.

      Sammy Gyamfi, however, finds it hard to imagine that the Attorney General’s office would continue to hold such a position—especially in light of the material he has been gathering in his own right over the past 48 hours.

      He emphasised, “It is only an irresponsible Attorney General who, in the face of all these official documents which I just came across in the last 48 hours while investigating this matter, would come on air and pretend to be ignorant of these well-known facts and say, ‘I’m not aware. I’m waiting for Sammy Gyamfi to provide me with fresh evidence.”

      He was taken aback that Alfred Yeboah, whom he praised as a friend and a great gentleman, would choose to hold a brief for AG Godfred Dame on this issue.

      “I want to reiterate an advice which has been given to my good brother, Lawyer Tuah Yeboah by my senior Martin Kpebu. We all know him as a perfect gentleman. I don’t know why he’s allowed himself to be used for this cover-up. His boss issued this statement, why is his boss not on-air defending it? Such a gentleman is being used to defend this. He is not doing any good to him self. Very sad,” he added.

      The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has entered the debate on the issue of illegal mining, expressing concerns about the government’s strategy in combatting the problem.

      During a press conference on October 18, GBA President Yaw Acheampong Boafo called on the government to focus its efforts on corrupt politicians suspected of funding and benefiting from this issue.

      The GBA urged “the government to be honest and bold and fish out these evil acts of powerful interests, engaged in the wanton destruction of our environment.”

    37. Sammy Gyamfi reacts to Alan’s resignation from NPP

      Sammy Gyamfi reacts to Alan’s resignation from NPP

      The National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has responded to former New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful Alan Kyerematen’s decision to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 elections.

      In a post shared on X, on Monday, September 25, 2023, Sammy Gyamfi expressed empathy for Alan but pointed out that Alan had played a role in the challenges currently faced by Ghanaians and couldn’t distance himself from them. He emphasized that, in his view, both Alan and the NPP lacked innovative solutions and, therefore, should be rejected by the electorate.

      “The point has to be made forcefully, that Alan is not a viable alternative to the failed incumbent NPP government as a cabinet minister responsible for Trade and Industry and a member of the Economic Management team from 2017-2023, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen actively participated in the destruction of the economy into the mess it is today.

      “Under his watch, the Komenda Sugar Factory was abandoned to rot for almost six (6) years. Growth of the manufacturing sector declined significantly and businesses were suffocated by the bad policies of his Ministry and government leading to several job losses,” parts of the post reads.

      Additionally, Sammy Gyamfi highlighted that Alan Kyerematen’s departure from the NPP was primarily driven by his significant loss at the party’s special delegates conferences.

      “Would Alan have resigned from the NPP if he had been treated fairly by the NPP in their ongoing Presidential primaries?

      “Clearly, it is the pain of rejection by the super delegates of the NPP and the intimidation and harassment of his supporters which is fueling Alan’s latest decision and not any superior passion to help heal the partisan divisions in the country. But it is too late for Alan to jump ship now. Alan is not and cannot be the solution to the very mess he participated in creating!” he added.

      Alan Kyeremateng, announced his decision to leave the NPP and also contest as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential elections at a press conference in Accra, on Monday, September 25, 2023,

      He said that even though it was his wish to become president of Ghana on the ticket of the NPP, the party has now been hijacked by ‘unscrupulous party apparatchiks’.

      “The NPP as it exists now has very little resemblance to the Party that I joined in 1992 and helped to nurture. The Party has been hijacked by a selected group of Party leaders and elders, government appointees, “behind the curtain power brokers” and some unscrupulous Party apparatchiks.

      “… I wish to use this platform to announce that I am honourably resigning from the New Patriotic Party to contest for the high office of the President of the Republic of Ghana in the 2024 general elections as an independent presidential candidate,” he said.

    38. NDC gifts A Plus GHS200k during his father’s funeral

      NDC gifts A Plus GHS200k during his father’s funeral

      The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has donated an amount of GHS200,000 to Ghanaian musician Kwame Asare Obeng and his family as a sign of sympathy as they bid farewell to their deceased relative.

      The kind gesture by the opposition party was done over the weekend when Kwame Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, laid his father, Daniel Obeng, who died on Thursday, July 13, 2023, to rest.

      As part of customs and traditions during funeral rites in Ghanaian societies, donations are made to the bereaved family.

      The National Communications Officer for the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, made the donation on behalf of the party. While announcing the cash donation, he threw jabs at the government, noting that the money donated was not acquired through ‘illicit’ means such as the Electronic Transaction Levy or illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

      The funeral ceremony, which attracted scores of mourners, including politicians, was held at Gomoa Pomadze in the Gomoa Central District of the Central Region.

      Among the attendees were former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen, National Lottery Authority Director General, Sammi Awuku, Fadda Dickson from Despite Media and many others.

    39. Sammy Gyamfi exposes NPP over cocoa pension fund

      Sammy Gyamfi exposes NPP over cocoa pension fund

      NDC’s National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, successfully defended his assertion that former President John Dramani Mahama established a pension fund for cocoa farmers.

       This came during a discussion on Accra’s Asempa FM when he was challenged by presidential staffer Dennis Miracles Aboagye, who initially disputed Sammy’s claim. The debate revolved around the recent cocoa price increase announced by the government.

      “If Sammy Gyamfi prove where John Dramani Mahama in an Auditor-General’s report left money for cocoa pensions, I am challenging him that I will buy airtime for us to stay in this studio till he provides the evidence to that effect.

      “If he doesn’t provide the year the 25 million dollars was made available, I am willing to pay for the airtime when your show is over, for us to remain here till he does so,” he stated on the September 12 edition of the Ekosii Sen programme.

      Even after he offered to buy airtime, the programme ended.

      Following this, Sammy Gyamfi presented evidence in a social media post, referencing the 2020 Auditor-General’s report, which earmarked the mentioned amount.

      According to reports, the report confirmed the availability of the funds as of 2016.

      Excerpts from the report read: “1246. In contrast to the aforementioned section, we observed the following;”

      i. The Board did not establish a contributory insurance scheme for cocoa, coffee and shea nuts farmers since the law came into force over 38 years ago.

      ii. The Board of Directors did not provide any regulation as evidence to give full implementation of the Social Security Scheme for the farmers.

      1247. Our further review of the Account ledgers disclosed that, the Board has set aside from profit a total of GH¢28,898,676.88 in prior periods to meet the requirement of section 26 of the PNDCL 265 however, Management has not invested the amount in any Trust. A seven (7) years analysis of the funds set aside is detailed in table 132.

      When asked how much it was, COCOBOD CEO Joseph Boahen Aidoo responded that the book entry used to create the entry in question was made in 2011, when John Mahama was a vice president.

      He explained: “it is one thing to create a ledger with the view to put money in it and another thing to create a fund. If I heard Miracles very well, he meant there is no fund, and truly, there is no fund.

      He continued by saying that despite the announcement, the current plan to set aside 74 million cedis into a fund does not immediately make that sum available.

      “There is no money in the cocoa farmers’ pension trust created by Mahama and the NDC for farmers’ pension. In which account did Mahama pay the seed capital of GHC28m for the farmers’ pension into? NDC should show us and when?”

    40. Sammy Gyamfi frustrated by delayed hearing of EC injunction

      Sammy Gyamfi frustrated by delayed hearing of EC injunction

      A National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Sammy Gyamfi has criticized the Supreme Court’s decision to wait for the Chief Justice to provide or certify the date for the injunction hearing against the Electoral Commission as unacceptable.

      On JoyNews’ PM Express, Sammy Gyamfi explained that the customary procedure involves the registrar reviewing the court’s calendar and scheduling a hearing date for applicants. 

      Regarding injunctions, he noted that the court typically allocates a sufficient timeframe to prevent the application from becoming irrelevant.

      “We filed this action in the Supreme Court on Thursday, I mean the main writ and consequently filed the application for injunction. We were not given any return date for the injunction application. We were told that the Chief Justice was out of town and she has to certify or approve the date.”

      “That is totally unheard of, it is totally unacceptable and it must be stopped. It does not and cannot happen in any serious civilized country built and run on systems. The practice in the past that we all know of as lawyers is that when processes are filed like that, the registrar of the court checks his calendar and gives you a return date.”

      Mr. Gyamfi raised concerns about this decision, emphasizing that it is unprecedented for the head of the judiciary in any country to simultaneously serve as the registrar. 

      He argued that it is inappropriate for the Supreme Court’s judicial processes to be halted simply because the Chief Justice is away.

      “Assuming without admitting that even the system was right, the point is every leader must learn to delegate power. Assuming without admitting that what they registered to it is true, indeed the Chief Justice is the one vested with the authority to give us a return date.”

      “At least, in the absence of the Chief Justice, the reasonable expectation is that she should be able to delegate one of the justices of the Supreme Court, the practice has always been to delegate the senior most act in her stead. If she is not comfortable with the delegation of the senior most, she can delegate anybody to perform that.”

      The National Democratic Congress (NDC),on Thursday, September 7,  along with four other political parties, initiated legal action against the Electoral Commission (EC) concerning its insistence on conducting the 2023 limited voter registration exercise exclusively at its district offices.

      This lawsuit, which involves the Convention People’s Party (CPP), All People’s Congress (APC), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), and the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), contends that such a decision would disenfranchise a significant number of eligible voters. Consequently, these political parties have petitioned the Supreme Court to halt the electoral management body from proceeding with the exercise until a final determination is reached regarding the substantive matter.

      In a Facebook post, former President John Mahama revealed that despite filing the writ and the injunction application at the Supreme Court Registry on Thursday, 7th September 2023, at 2:50 p.m., there has been no progress in the matter.

      He argued that when the injunction was submitted, the applicants were informed that the registry was awaiting a date to be scheduled by the Chief Justice, who was outside the jurisdiction at that time.

      Mr. Mahama pointed out that even though the Chief Justice has returned to town, there has been no update on the matter, and the EC is preparing to launch the registration exercise tomorrow, which is Tuesday. He expressed his concern, labeling this situation as unprecedented and detrimental to public confidence in the justice delivery system.

    41. Police Council approved COP Mensah and others, interdiction, not Dampare – Sammy Gyamfi alleges

      Police Council approved COP Mensah and others, interdiction, not Dampare – Sammy Gyamfi alleges

      The National Communications Officer for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC),Sammy Gyamfi, has contested claims that Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, independently ordered the interdiction of three senior police officers caught on tape plotting against him.

      Sammy Gyamfi asserts that it was, in fact, the Police Council, led by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, that collectively endorsed the interdiction of Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah, Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi, and Superintendent George Lysander Asare.

      Speaking on TV3, he said “This meeting was held on Thursday with Bawumia in the chair. They had the meeting late into the night, check from your intel in the police service. The meeting resolved unanimously that these people should be interdicted,” 

      Sammy Gyamfi highlighted that although the IGP possessed the authority to interdict the officers, he chose to delegate the decision to the Police Council and abstained from the discussions.

      “This was not even the IGP exercising his powers under Regulation 105 for somebody to say that this is a conflict of interest,” he stated.

      On Thursday, September 7, 2023, the Ghana Police Service announced the interdiction of three senior police officers involved in a recorded plot to oust Dampare.

      “The Police Service has interdicted Commissioner of Police (COP) Mr. George Alex Mensah, Superintendent Mr. Emmanuel Eric Gyebi and Superintendent Mr. George Lysander Asare in connection with the audio tape which has become a subject matter of investigation by Parliament.

      “The interdiction is to make way for disciplinary proceedings into their conduct in line with Police Service regulations,” the statement said.

      Nevertheless, within 24 hours of the interdiction, the police reversed their decision pending the outcome of a parliamentary inquiry into the leaked recordings.

    42. Sammy Gyamfi clarifies ‘NDC would tax bet winnings’ comment

      Sammy Gyamfi clarifies ‘NDC would tax bet winnings’ comment

      National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress, Sammy Gyamfi, has denied claims that he indicated before the 2020 general elections that a future NDC government would impose taxes on profits from sports betting.

      He explained that his statement had been misinterpreted by members of the ruling New Patriotic Party to support the imposition of the controversial 10% tax on betting and lottery winnings introduced by the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration.

      In a statement sighted by GhanaWeb, the NDC communications officer explained that he only suggested that the NDC would consider implementing a tax system on sports betting similar to that of the United Kingdom (UK).

      “In response to a question on how the NDC intends to fund the Sports Development Fund we promised in our 2020 manifesto, I indicated in the said interview, that that the NDC will consider imposing a tax on sports betting ‘as it’s done in the UK’.

      “The question every objective mind ought to ask, therefore, is what pertains in the UK relative to taxation on sports betting? The answer is simple! In the UK, bet winnings are not taxed. Rather, bet companies are heavily taxed. See https://www.newbettingsites.co/articles/how-much-tax-do-betting-companies-pay/,” parts of the statement reads.

      He added that the tax on sports betting in the UK is way different from the 10% tax the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government has placed on bet winnings.

      “This is the example I cited and indicated that a future NDC government will consider post 2020. The new 10% tax on bet winnings that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government has introduced is the direct opposite of what pertains in the UK and the position I canvassed in 2020. Don’t be misled!” he said.

      The NDC communications officer reiterated that his party is totally opposed to the 10% tax on bet earnings introduced by the current government.

      Read the full statement below:

      My attention has been drawn to desperate attempts by some NPP social media activists to put a spin on a comment I made about sports betting in the run up to the 2020 elections.

      In response to a question on how the NDC intends to fund the Sports Development Fund we promised in our 2020 manifesto, I indicated in the said interview, that that the NDC will consider imposing a tax on sports betting “as it’s done in the UK”.

      The question every objective mind ought to ask therefore, is what pertains in the UK relative to taxation on sports betting?

      The answer is simple!
      In the UK, bet winnings are not taxed. Rather, bet companies are heavily taxed. See https://www.newbettingsites.co/articles/how-much-tax-do-betting-companies-pay/

      This is the example I cited and indicated that a future NDC government will consider post 2020. The new 10% tax on bet winnings that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government has introduced is the direct opposite of what pertains in the UK and the position I canvassed in 2020. Don’t be misled!

      For the sake of clarity and emphasis, the NDC is vehemently opposed to the 10% tax that has been imposed by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government on bet winnings;

      1. Sports betting although undesirable, has become a necessary evil given the state of hopelessness, joblessness and excruciating hardships that Ghanaian youths have been plunged into by the insensitive and reckless Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government.

      2. Taxing bet winnings under the current excruciating economic conditions Ghanaians are facing, particularly, the high rate of inflation of 43.1% and the highest unemployment rate among others, is insensitive and totally unacceptable.

      3. Government should be innovative in its bid to increase tax revenue and stop this lazy approach to taxation. If government is minded to raise tax revenue from betting, its focus should be on taxing multinational/foreign bet companies as it pertains in the UK and other jurisdictions and not poor Ghanaian youths who have been compelled by the harsh economic conditions in the country to seek refuge in sports betting for their very survival.

      4. More importantly, the new 10% tax on bet winnings introduced by the NPP contravenes the government’s social contract with Ghanaians. That social contract is to the effect that; “taxation is a lazy approach to governance” and that an NPP government will “reduce the tax burden on Ghanaians” and move the country from “taxation to production”.

      Contrary to this promise, the current NPP government has introduced over 25 tax handles since they took office in 2017- a clear betrayal of the trust of Ghanaians. These taxes have conspired to make life unbearable for the vast majority of Ghanaians, particularly the youths who can’t find jobs.

      The NDC will not and cannot lend its support to the double-standards the NPP continuous to display relative to taxation, particularly at this time of unprecedented hardships.

      5. Undoubtedly, Sports Betting has become a refuge for the millions of Ghanaian unemployed youths who have been compelled by the economic mismanagement of the NPP to depend on betting for survival. Imposing a 10% tax on bet winnings is therefore cruel. Given the difficult times we find ourselves in, the NDC fully supports calls for the immediate scrapping of the newly introduced 10% tax on bet winnings.

      This is the official position of the great NDC on the newly-introduced 10% tax on bet winnings.

      Sammy Gyamfi Esq.
      National Communications Officer
      National Democratic Congress

    43. Are you building heaven? – Sammy Gyamfi on $250m BoG building

      The revelation of a $250 million building project by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has ignited a fiery response from the general public.

      Citizens are expressing a mix of astonishment, concern, and demands for transparency regarding the significant financial commitment.

      National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, has also added his voice to the discourse, questioning the rationale behind the colossal expenditure of the project.

      “US$250 million for one building, in a country like Ghana, in this critical time? Why, are you building a new Heaven?” he asked on UTV’s Mpu ne Mpu show. 

      The staggering cost associated with the Bank of Ghana’s new building venture has raised eyebrows and sparked a nationwide debate over fiscal prudence and resource allocation. Sammy Gyamfi, known for his vocal stance on political and economic matters, seized the opportunity to express his incredulity over the project’s price tag.

      “In these difficult times, when we are supposed to take measures to mitigate the impact of the harsh economic conditions, they are making the construction of a building their priority. Even after recording huge losses the previous year?” a baffled Sammy Gyamfi contended. 

      “This is the same building the governor under previous administrations since 1957, including Mahama’s administration have,” he added.

    44. Sue Bank of Ghana if you don’t understand their loss – Jennifer Queen tells Sammy Gyamfi

      Sue Bank of Ghana if you don’t understand their loss – Jennifer Queen tells Sammy Gyamfi

      Deputy Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Jennifer Queen, has advised the Communications Director for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, to file a class action lawsuit against the Bank of Ghana over the loss of GH¢60.8 billion.

      The Annual Report and Financial Statement of the Bank of Ghana reveals that the institution incurred a loss of GH¢60.8 billion from its audited financial statement for the 2022 fiscal year. 

      This loss, according to the Bank of Ghana, is largely due to the government’s debt restructuring activities.

      In response, Sammy Gyamfi noted that such a colossal loss can be attributed to the Central Bank’s Directors’ “criminality and recklessness.”

      NDC National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi
      NDC National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi

      Speaking in an interview with Citi FM on Tuesday, August 8, he said the NDC will build forces together to bring sufficient pressure on “these wreckers.”

      “And we will be occupying the BoG together with the media to bring to bear sufficient pressure on these wreckers. Until they resign, they will have no peace of mind,” he added.

      Taking an opposing stance, Jennifer Queen noted that such a radical approach is not the way to go and urged for a diplomatic measure.

      In an interview on Okay FM’s Ade Kyea Bia on August 9, 2023, she said: “ if Sammy Gyamfi feels like things are not going on well and he doesn’t understand, he is a lawyer who practices democracy so there is nothing that stops him from taking the issue to court and sue the Bank of Ghana.”

      “Ignore this funny NDC Propaganda about the collapse of the Bank of Ghana (BoG). BoG is Solid!”

      “The NDC is funny! It’s not true that a recapitalization levy is to be introduced for BoG, the Central Bank hasn’t collapsed.”

      “The main source of income to the Bank is from government transactions i.e. fees on all government transfers, the bank’s investments in marketable instruments and also earnings from non-marketable holdings of the Bank.”

      “Given that government transactions have gone down, naturally, the income of the bank will go down. Also, because of the debt restructuring, earnings on their holdings on markable and non-marketable bonds will go down,” he posited. 

      He added that “Beyond this, the Bank is solid and is capable of performing its core function. Article 183 clause 2 (c) of the 1992 constitution enjoins the Bank of Ghana to promote and encourage economic development in the country, hence there is nothing untoward in the actions of the Central Bank to support the state in its economic recovery efforts.”

      Meanwhile, Sammy Gyamfi, has accused the Bank of Ghana of printing an amount of GHC80 billion for the government of Ghana.

      In an interview on Onua TV, he noted that despite the “unlawful” funding to the government, there is currently nothing to show.

      “More than 50 percent of the total revenue. They are living like there is no law. The impunity. After supplying the government over GHS80 billion, let’s ask ourselves what government used the money for,” he said,

      He noted that the amount of money printed by the Central Bank for the Akufo-Addo-led government comes nowhere close to the loans that were taken by the erstwhile Mahama government.

      “He (John Mahama) borrowed GHS54 billion. This does not even include the accumulated debt of this government,” he added.