In a passionate defense that has ignited fresh political fireworks, former ndc organizer for the Kpone Katamanso constituency, Mahama Haruna, has roundly condemned the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) demands for GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi to resign. The calls intensified after recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports flagged operational losses at GoldBod, Ghana’s state-backed gold trading body launched to stabilize the cedi and boost foreign reserves through gold exports.
Haruna branded the NPP’s rhetoric as “pure, unadulterated politics,” insisting that Gyamfi’s track record speaks for itself. “Sammy Gyamfi is doing exceptionally well, and the NPP should step aside, watch, and learn,” Haruna stated during a public address. He highlighted Gyamfi’s youth as an asset, not a liability: “He’s young, yes, but the depth of knowledge, fresh ideas, and innovative strategies he’s brought to govern GoldBod are unmatched. The NPP despises him for it – no matter what he achieves, they won’t like him. It’s envy, plain and simple.”
Drawing a sharp contrast to the NPP’s tenure, Haruna recalled their controversial Gold-for-Oil policy, which aimed to barter gold for petroleum imports but faltered amid implementation glitches, market volatility, and allegations of mismanagement. “Under NPP governance, that policy caused significant losses and failed to deliver,” he charged. “Yet now they point fingers at Sammy Gyamfi, who’s turning things around? The hypocrisy is staggering.”
Haruna dismissed over-reliance on IMF critiques, arguing that short-term losses are par for the course in bold economic experiments. “Even if the IMF reports losses every day, should we keep running back to them for loans, handing them endless advantages?” he questioned. “This is Ghana’s moment to manage our own affairs. Let Sammy Gyamfi work uninterrupted. If losses occur, there will be full accountability – audits will trace every cedis. But so far, so good; he’s exceeding expectations. It’s far too premature for the NPP to launch their criticism barrage, especially when their own record is riddled with worse failures.”
Delving deeper into Gyamfi’s achievements, Haruna lauded the CEO’s initiatives for sparking transformative reforms in Ghana’s gold sector. Under GoldBod’s stewardship, the nation has spotlighted its vast natural resources – from artisanal mines in the Ashanti Region to large-scale operations in the north – positioning gold as a cornerstone for economic sovereignty. “GoldBod has awakened Ghanaians to the power of our gold reserves,” Haruna emphasized. “Sammy Gyamfi has plugged leaks that were draining millions of dollars annually, streamlined gold trading amid global price fluctuations, and built partnerships that stabilize our currency. All eyes are on the gold trade now, and it’s paying off despite the challenges.”
In a broader nod to the government’s performance, Haruna ranked Gyamfi as the standout performer. “All ministers are delivering, but in my view, Sammy Gyamfi tops the list for halting those massive financial hemorrhages,” he said. Close behind are Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, whose fiscal oversight has been “laser-focused”; Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George, praised for his vocal advocacy on digital and youth issues; and the Education Minister, credited with rolling out innovative programs to equip the next generation amid resource constraints.
Haruna’s outspoken support comes at a tense time for Ghana’s economy, still recovering from debt restructuring under the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility. Critics, including NPP figures, argue GoldBod’s losses – reportedly tied to hedging costs and export delays – undermine efforts to diversify from cocoa and oil. Supporters like Haruna counter that such teething pains are inevitable for a nascent institution projected to generate billions in reserves long-term.
As parliamentary debates heat up, Haruna’s remarks underscore deepening partisan divides over resource nationalism. “The NPP must stop sabotaging progress,” he concluded. “Give Sammy Gyamfi the space to build Ghana’s golden future.”
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com