The controversy surrounding Sammy Gyamfi, Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, over a viral video showing him handing a bundle of dollar notes to self-styled evangelist Patricia Asiedu, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has taken a new turn as the petitioner, Eric Dumenu Akatsi, has officially withdrawn his petition.
Akatsi, who initially raised concerns over the implications of the dollar gift, said on Tuesday that he was stepping back from the matter. In a statement, he clarified that he holds no personal issues with Mr. Gyamfi and does not believe any crime was committed.
“I wish to state for the record that I have no personal issues with Mr. Sammy Gyamfi. My concerns were purely in the interest of transparency. That said, I do not believe he has committed any crime, and I have therefore decided to withdraw the petition,” he noted.
The withdrawal of the petition brings a significant relief to Mr. Gyamfi, whose gesture in the viral video sparked heated public debate over propriety and accountability in public office.
Earlier in the day, the Presidency, through its official spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed that no further sanctions would be imposed on Mr. Gyamfi. Speaking to journalists at Jubilee House, Kwakye Ofosu stated that the Acting CEO had already expressed regret over the matter and had been cautioned after meeting with the Chief of Staff.
“The Presidency acknowledges Mr. Sammy Gyamfi’s immediate expression of regret. He has been cautioned, with no further action expected,” he said.
The dual announcements—from both the petitioner and the Presidency—signal the official closure of the dollar gift saga, which had drawn attention from the media and the general public.