Former Presidential Aide and Senior Adviser to President John Evans Atta Mills, Tony Aidoo, has described the ongoing controversy between Ghana GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin as a matter largely driven by differing interpretations of the financial issues surrounding GoldBod.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme in Accra on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Mr Aidoo said the disagreement centres on whether the figures being discussed constitute an economic loss or losses arising from transactions.
He said the controversy has been amplified on social media, with some people accusing Mr Gyamfi of selling gold at a loss, while others have gone as far as describing him as a thief.
According to Mr Aidoo, Ghana’s political discourse often suffers from a reluctance to accept uncomfortable truths, adding that both political leaders and citizens have a responsibility to be truthful when discussing national issues.
He said the GoldBod matter illustrates how political opponents can seize on contentious issues and amplify them, particularly when they involve the government.
Mr Aidoo criticised the Minority for what he described as its approach of taking up issues involving the government and creating public attention around them, arguing that even when explanations are offered, opponents may remain unwilling to accept them because they have already formed their conclusions.
On the conflicting positions of Sammy Gyamfi and Afenyo-Markin over whether GoldBod incurred losses, Mr Aidoo said the matter must ultimately be determined by the facts and the appropriate institutions.
He also described Afenyo-Markin’s decision to pursue the matter through legal channels as a “tactical settlement,” arguing that once a matter is before the courts, public commentary on its merits could raise questions of sub judice.
Mr Aidoo explained that while Parliament may have an interest in examining a petition concerning the matter, it would have to determine the extent to which parliamentary discussions could proceed without interfering with issues currently before the courts.
He said another question could arise over whether Parliament can comment on matters connected to a civil suit or a potential defamation case.
Mr Aidoo further expressed the view that Sammy Gyamfi would not have described Afenyo-Markin as an extortionist without some basis for making the allegation.
He, however, said the truth surrounding the accusations would eventually emerge through the appropriate processes.
“Time will tell,” Mr Aidoo said.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah — Ahotoronline, Accra.