Dr. Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, a senior lecturer in the Political Science Department at the University of Ghana, has criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over what he describes as the party’s unwillingness to confront Sammy Gyamfi over the recent dollar gift controversy.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, May 15, Dr. Zaato argued that the NDC’s decision to accept a mere apology from Gyamfi, the acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, without further disciplinary action, reflects deeper issues within the party’s power structure.
The controversy erupted after a viral video showed Gyamfi handing an undisclosed amount of U.S. dollars to evangelist Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa. Despite public backlash, President John Dramani Mahama announced on Wednesday, May 14, that no further action would be taken against Gyamfi, effectively closing the matter.
Dr. Zaato believes this response highlights the influence Gyamfi wields within the NDC, suggesting that few, if any, party members have the political clout to challenge him.
“Sammy Gyamfi is a central figure in the NDC. He is not just an ordinary party communicator; he is a power broker, and his voice carries significant weight within the party,” Zaato said.
He argued that the absence of internal dissent following the scandal indicates Gyamfi’s stronghold over the party, adding that even senior figures within the NDC appear unwilling to publicly criticize him.
“When the issue broke, you didn’t see any significant voices within the NDC calling for his resignation or punishment. Instead, what you saw were party loyalists rallying around him, a clear indication of the influence he commands,” Zaato noted.
He further suggested that President Mahama’s decision to accept Gyamfi’s apology without further action was likely a calculated move to avoid internal party conflict ahead of the 2028 general elections.
“President Mahama’s approach is clearly aimed at preserving party unity, but it also raises questions about accountability within the NDC. Can a party truly claim to stand for transparency and good governance when it chooses to overlook such controversies?” Zaato questioned.
The political science lecturer warned that while this approach might defuse immediate tensions, it could have long-term consequences for the NDC’s credibility.
“The message this sends to the public is that certain individuals within the party are untouchable, and that is not a good precedent to set,” he concluded.
As the controversy continues to spark public debate, Dr. Zaato’s comments have added a critical perspective to the ongoing discourse about the balance between loyalty and accountability within Ghana’s political landscape.
