The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has dismissed allegations that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) harbors any personal animosity towards the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi.
According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, the Minority caucus is strictly focused on examining the operations and conduct of GoldBod, emphasizing that their parliamentary oversight should not be misconstrued as an attack on the Chief Executive.
His clarification comes in response to statements made by Mr Gyamfi, who suggested the Minority Leader’s critiques were rooted in “bitterness.” Mr Gyamfi maintained that he remains prepared to address Parliament regarding GoldBod’s stewardship, while further alleging that Mr Afenyo-Markin and prominent NPP members were broadcasting broad grievances without presenting substantive allegations.
Addressing these assertions in an interview, Mr Afenyo-Markin reiterated that neither himself nor former Deputy Finance Minister Abena Osei-Asare harbors ill will toward the GoldBod head.
“Sammy, NPP, nobody hates you. Abena Osei Asare doesn’t hate you. I don’t hate you. We want the best for you. Some of the people you think are your friends today that you deploy to attack us merely for questioning certain actions at GoldBod may not be there tomorrow.
“So take it easy, when we raise issues, take your time and respond. Don’t come and attack us and don’t engage others to attack us because we criticised GoldBod,” he said.
The Minority Leader further advised Mr Gyamfi to demonstrate greater patience and open-mindedness when confronted with public scrutiny, citing Mr Gyamfi’s own history of intense political commentary whilst serving in opposition.
“You were very loud, Sammy, when you were in opposition. You raised critical issues; you were the loudest, so you should have a certain level of tolerance to listen because most of these issues are what have been reported by the IMF and institutions that are credible. We are not after your person,” he said.
