Mahama Must Walk the Talk- Dr. Bannor Calls For Sammy Gyamfi’s Dismissal
Development Economist and a senior research fellow at the Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy, Dr. Frank Bannor, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to walk his talk by relieving Sammy Gyamfi of his position as GoldBod CEO
Dr Bannor, in an interview with Oheneba Asiedu on Wontumi TV, held that Sammy Gyamfi’s vulgar display of opulence violates President Mahama’s own Code of Conduct for his appointees, and must not hesitate to apply it in the case of the appointee.
“President Mahama recently launched the Code of Ethics for his appointees in which he indicated that any appointee who is caught engaging in opulence lifestyle would be immediately dismissed. Sammy Gyamfi has done just that, so he should be dismissed immediately” he stated.
“If Mahama is worth his salt, he should sack Sammy Gyamfi from office with immediate effect. The code of ethics he read to the hearing of all Ghanaians stipulates, in part, that an appointee who engages in opulence would be dismissed. He should walk the talk now.
Continuing, Dr. Bannor quoted the President’s own words when he was launching the Code of Ethics for his appointees.
“The hallmark of this government will be modesty and respect for the Ghanaian people. Resources that you’ll be working with belong to the Ghanaian people who put us in office. Those resources are not to be wasted on opulence and extravagance. Also, all traces of affluence and lavish lifestyle are to be avoided” he stated.
“The above expressions are directly from the President. It is evidently clear that Sammy Gyamfi has violated this Code of Ethics read to him and all of us by President Mahama. This is a litmus test for the President to show us that he is committed to protecting the public purse” he added.
Sammy Gyamfi, in a video which has since gone viral, was seen counting what is believed to be US$10,000 and gave it to Mama Pat, aka Agradaa.
Scores of people have called for either his resignation or dismissal from office for breaching the President’s Code of Ethics.
Meanwhile Sammy has apologized for his action. In a post his Facebook page on Sunday, May 11, Mr. Gyamfi described the donation as a “private act of kindness” and said that he had not expected it to be made public.
While extending his apologies for his actions, he asserted that the situation is “unfortunate and regrettable”.
“I sincerely thought that I was doing this act of kindness in private and never imagined that same could find its way into the public space.
“To all such comrades, I am sincerely sorry for this unfortunate act of indiscretion. I respect and appreciate your views,” he tweeted.
Additionally, Mr. Gyamfi stated that the gesture was in accordance with his personal ideals of aiding those in need rather than any political motivation.
He reaffirmed his commitment to public service, stating, “My view of public office as a privilege to serve society, solve problems, and help others has not changed. I remain focused on the task entrusted to me by His Excellency, the President, for the development of our country.”
