If it is a crime to own dollars we better convert all forex bureaus into chop bars – Malik Basintale

Malik Basintale is the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA). He questioned whether owning dollars in Ghana is a crime.

He suggested that if it is illegal, all forex bureaus should become chop bars. Basintale stated that no law in Ghana makes dollar possession a crime.

On TV3 New Day, he said, “There is no law against possessing dollars.” He referred to the Cecilia Dapaah case. The issue was not about having dollars but the amount compared to her income.

Basintale criticized calls for Sammy Gyamfi's prosecution. He argued that if Gyamfi should be punished, then Dapaah would face worse consequences.

His comments followed scrutiny of Sammy Gyamfi after a video surfaced. In this video, Gyamfi was seen giving large sums of dollars to Nana Agradaa, a fetish priestess turned pastor.

The viral video showed Gyamfi beside his white Range Rover with Agradaa. After talking briefly, he sat in his car and counted several US dollar notes. Agradaa insisted he give her all the money instead of just some.

She took the cash from him and flaunted it to bystanders, saying she had taken dollars from him. Meanwhile, the Minority caucus in Parliament demanded action against Gyamfi.

Dr. Kabiru Tia Mahama held a press conference on May 12, 2025. He called for Gyamfi's immediate suspension as acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board.

Mahama stated this behavior violates multiple laws and codes of conduct. He emphasized that ignorance of the law is not an excuse for Gyamfi’s actions.

The Minority also called for an investigation into where the displayed dollars came from. Reports indicate that Gyamfi met with the Chief of Staff after being summoned regarding this incident.