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Claim: Social media users have shared a video claiming that the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, has defended his decision to give dollar notes to social media personality and self-proclaimed evangelist, Patricia Asieduaa, popularly known as Mama Pat or Agradaa.
Verdict: False. The widely circulated video supporting the claim is outdated. The interview was conducted in 2022 and is unrelated to the recent Agradaa incident.
Full Text
Recent social media posts have circulated claims that the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has responded to allegations following a viral video showing him giving dollar notes to social media personality and self-proclaimed evangelist Patricia Asieduaa, popularly known as Mama Pat or Agradaa.
These claims have appeared on various platforms, including Facebook and TikTok. On Facebook, a page named Fire on USA shared a video: “I employed 50 workers at the age of 24. – Sammy Gyamfi continues his defence and talks about his airport mansion and the trending issues with Agradaa.”
Similarly, TikTok user akwasistone0 posted a video with the caption: “I don’t rely on government pay, so there’s no need to complain about the money I gave Agradaa. I’ve got my own money.”
Combined, these four-minute video posts have attracted over 500,000 views and more than 15,000 likes across platforms.
Verification
DUBAWA conducted a Google Reverse Image Search to determine when the interview in the video took place and whether it was connected to the viral incident involving Agradaa. Captain Smart hosted the video interview on Onua TV.
The search revealed that the video in question is outdated and unrelated to the current controversy. The interview was initially recorded in 2022, three years ago, and makes no reference to the alleged dollar gift to Patricia Asieduaa.
In the video, Mr Gyamfi responded to allegations levelled against him by his critics, including the National Youth Organiser of the NDC, George Apare Addo, that he owns six Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles and a mansion at Airport Hills in Accra.
The Daily Graphic published the same video in December 2022.
Apology
Samuel Gyamfi’s only response was a public apology. This was after a backlash over a viral video showing him giving dollar notes to social media figure Patricia Asieduaa, popularly known as Mama Pat or Agradaa.
In a Facebook post, shortly after the video gained widespread attention, Mr. Gyamfi wrote: “I sincerely thought that I was doing this act of kindness in private, and never imagined that it could find its way into the public space. That is unfortunate and regrettable.”
He acknowledged the public criticism the gesture had sparked, particularly among his supporters:
“I understand the public uproar that this gesture has generated, particularly from comrades who are sincerely hurt by it. To all such comrades, I am sincerely sorry for this unfortunate act of indiscretion. I respect and appreciate your views,” he added.
Government Response
Despite the apology, there have been growing calls for disciplinary action against him. In response, Mr. Gyamfi was summoned to the Jubilee House for questioning. Following the engagement, the government, through the Minister in Government Communications, announced that Gyamfi has been cautioned and no further action would be taken.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, May 14, 2024, government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated, “The Presidency does not believe that any further actions ought to be taken beyond the apology and the caution.”
He explained that the Chief of Staff, after acknowledging Mr. Gyamfi’s apology, issued a caution and advised him to remain mindful of public sentiment, “The Chief of Staff cautioned him, having acknowledged the apology he made and impressed upon him to take into account public expectations and act accordingly,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu said.
Conclusion
The viral video claiming that Samuel Gyamfi, CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, recently responded to the controversy involving his dollar gift to Patricia Asieduaa is misleading. Verification by DUABWA confirms that the circulated video is from 2022 and unrelated to the current incident.
