Dollar gift: Mahama lacks courage to sanction Sammy Gyamfi – Dr. Zaato

Dr. Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He claims the party lacks courage to hold Sammy Gyamfi accountable for a recent dollar gift controversy.

His comments follow President John Dramani Mahama’s decision not to discipline Gyamfi. A viral video showed Gyamfi giving an undisclosed amount of U.S. dollars to evangelist Nana Agradaa.

Dr. Zaato said Mahama's response was expected due to Gyamfi's influence in the party. He noted that Gyamfi’s visibility makes it hard for anyone in the NDC to challenge him.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily, he mentioned that some may find the president's reaction surprising. However, he believes it reflects internal party dynamics and Gyamfi's loyalty among top members.

“No one in this country will say they are surprised by this,” Dr. Zaato stated. He suggested Mahama wanted to maintain party unity and avoid alienating a powerful figure like Gyamfi.

“This man is so important to the NDC that no one dares tell the president to fire him,” he declared. Dr. Zaato argued that Gyamfi’s power is evident from the lack of dissent after the scandal.

He pointed out that instead of criticism, Gyamfi received support from loyalists and officials. “No one in the NDC has his stature or power,” he added.

Dr. Zaato also remarked on Mahama's desire to appear different from his predecessor. He questioned how different Mahama can be if his response was merely accepting an apology and moving on.