Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin found himself at the center of a political storm when Gold Board (GOLDBOD) Chief Executive, Sammy Gyamfi, publicly labeled him an “extortionist.” The tension unfolded during an appearance on Joy News’ The Probe, where Mr. Afenyo-Markin addressed the accusation with characteristic composure and a clear sense of purpose.
Rather than threaten legal action, Mr. Afenyo-Markin indicated that he was unlikely to pursue the matter in court. He explained that he recognized the political maneuvering behind Mr. Gyamfi’s comments and refused to let the allegation sidetrack him from his duties. “In the Bible, Jesus was accused. Wild allegations. He kept quiet. He could have done anything, but when you’re dealing with situations, the people of Ghana expect a level of maturity from me,” he reflected, emphasizing the importance of staying focused amid provocation.
The backdrop to this clash was the Minority’s demand for clarity over an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report, which referenced a $1.7 billion loss involving GOLDBOD and the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. Mr. Afenyo-Markin had previously warned that Mr. Gyamfi could face stringent bail conditions if arrested over the matter. In response, Mr. Gyamfi dismissed the suggestion, claiming such consequences existed only in the Minority Leader’s imagination, before turning the tables by calling Mr. Afenyo-Markin an “extortionist.”
Unfazed, Mr. Afenyo-Markin denied the accusation but remained circumspect about any legal response, while Mr. Gyamfi stood by his words, insisting he could substantiate them. Yet, for Mr. Afenyo-Markin, the episode was a familiar page from the political playbook: “There’s always a bait in politics. But don’t also underestimate. Opponents always have a strategy.”
Drawing on his experience as a former Majority Leader, Mr. Afenyo-Markin spoke of the tactics governments use to distract from pressing issues. “I know how government can divert attention, because the government must hold itself today. So it can be: ‘Today, let’s throw this in. Today on social media let’s divert attention, let’s stain the man’,” he explained. He even referenced the prosecution of current Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a case in point.
Despite the heated rhetoric, Mr. Afenyo-Markin assured supporters and critics alike that he remained steadfast in his commitment to holding the government accountable. “We’ll work hard [as] the people of Ghana expect us to do nothing less. They expect us as Minority to be forthright, to work hard, to hold the feet of government to the fire. We’ll do that. All other things that will come, we’ll deal with it.”
In this unfolding story of accusation and resilience, Afenyo-Markin’s focus remains unchanged: serving the people and ensuring transparency in governance.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com