Acting Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, has come to the defense of Sammy Gyamfi, Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, amid backlash over his widely circulated interaction with evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Agradaa.
In an interview on TV3 on Monday, May 12, 2025, Tamakloe argued that Gyamfi’s action did not breach any ethical guidelines outlined in President John Mahama’s recently introduced Code of Conduct.
“From the interaction in the video, it was Sammy who offered something. So, the issue of violating the Code, with respect, doesn’t arise because the Code is silent on giving,” he explained.
The video, which shows Gyamfi handing a cash gift to Agradaa at a social event, has triggered intense debate on social media and among political observers, with critics questioning the judgment of a senior government official in engaging in such a public transaction.
Tamakloe acknowledged the concerns but urged the public to consider Gyamfi’s apology and move forward.
“We once again apologise for this indiscretion and hope it will not happen again. As young people, I ask that the good people of Ghana forgive us for this mistake. We will not justify it at all,” he said.
He confirmed that the Chief of Staff had called Mr. Gyamfi to discuss the incident, adding that the matter had been addressed internally and that the apology extended to both the public and President Mahama should suffice.
“As appointees of President Mahama, we are judged by a very high standard. It requires us to be sensitive to our environment and the things happening around us,” Tamakloe added.
He also disclosed that he personally keeps a copy of the Code of Conduct on his phone as a constant guide, emphasizing the need for public officials—especially younger ones—to remain aware of how their actions can be perceived.
As Gyamfi’s lawyer as well, Tamakloe concluded by stressing the importance of maturity and restraint in public life, noting that this incident should serve as a valuable lesson for other government appointees.
