Malik Basintale, the CEO of the Youth Employment Agency, has openly defended Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, amidst public scrutiny. The controversy arose after Gyamfi was seen gifting US dollars to the former fetish priestess, Nana Agradaa, in a viral video.
Basintale’s Stand on Foreign Currency Usage
Addressing the situation on TV3’s “New Day” show, Basintale criticized those who have implied that possessing foreign currency is illegal. He noted that foreign exchange businesses legally operate in Ghana, providing a clear framework for the purchase and sale of US dollars.
“If owning dollars was illegal, then forex bureaus would not exist. These legally established institutions confirm it’s permissible to transact in foreign currencies,” Basintale explained.
Response to Political and Public Criticism
The incident has led to widespread criticism, particularly from the Minority in Parliament, who argue that Gyamfi’s actions violate Ghana’s Currency Act and the Code of Conduct for public officials. These critics have demanded his suspension and an investigation into the origins of the funds.
Despite being summoned by the Chief of Staff, Basintale insists that this does not automatically imply guilt. “Even the Supreme Court’s invitation doesn’t equate to a guilty verdict,” he asserted.
Sammy Gyamfi’s Reaction
Sammy Gyamfi has since issued an apology, characterizing his actions as a private gesture of kindness rather than an official transaction. The political backlash continues as debates over the ethics and legality of the incident unfold.
Source: https://www.ghanaweb.com/
