NPA boss defends Sammy Gyamfi, says no breach of Code of Conduct in viral dollar sharing video

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, defended Sammy Gyamfi. Gyamfi is the Managing Director of the Ghana Gold Marketing Board (GoldBoard). He faced public criticism over a viral video.

In the video, Gyamfi appears to give bundles of US dollars to Evangelist Patricia Oduro, known as Agradaa. This sparked backlash and raised questions about his conduct with a controversial figure.

Tameklo, who is also Gyamfi’s legal counsel, stated that no rules were broken. He explained that the presidential Code of Conduct prevents officials from receiving gifts, not giving them. “Sammy Gyamfi offered something, not the other way around,” he said.

He acknowledged that the video may have upset some people. However, he emphasized that young public officials must maintain high ethical standards. “We’re judged by a very high standard,” he noted.

Tameklo mentioned that over 70% of current ministers and CEOs are under 50 years old. He urged caution in public behavior for this group.

He praised Gyamfi for quickly issuing a public apology within 24 hours of the video's release. “That shows leadership and responsibility,” Tameklo remarked. Gyamfi apologized to Ghanaians and to the President.

Tameklo confirmed that Gyamfi had been summoned by the Chief of Staff about this incident. He expressed hope that the matter would soon be resolved.

“Please forgive this lapse in judgment,” Tameklo pleaded with Ghanaians. “The apology has been made. The lesson has been learned.”

He spoke during an interview on Accra-based TV3 on Monday, May 12th.