Code of conduct faces generosity test

Public outrage has followed a controversial act of generosity by the acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), Sammy Gyamfi. 

Mr Gyamfi, who also serves as the National Communications Officer of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), was captured on video gifting an undisclosed sum of dollars to Evangelist Patricia Asiedu, popularly known as Agradaa.

Critics accused Mr Gyamfi of flaunting wealth, associating with a controversial figure and undermining the ethical standards expected of public officials.

Agradaa, a former spiritualist turned evangelist, has faced multiple fraud allegations and remains a polarising figure in Ghana’s religious, social and moral landscape.

The timing of the incident has further fuelled public dissatisfaction.

It came days after President John Dramani Mahama launched a new code of conduct for public officials, emphasising transparency, frugality and ethical behaviour. 

Against this backdrop, many Ghanaians view Mr Gyamfi’s donation as a violation of the values the NDC claims to uphold.

Critics argue it reinforces perceptions of political hypocrisy and double standards.

Yet, some voices have emerged in defence of Mr Gyamfi, insisting the backlash is unfair.

They argue that philanthropy should not be criminalised, especially if done in a personal capacity.

According to this view, unless public funds were used, Mr Gyamfi’s donation should be seen as an expression of faith or support for a cause rather than a political misstep.

This incident exposes deeper tensions in Ghana’s expectations of public officials.

Must every personal act of charity be subjected to public scrutiny?

Can politicians freely express religious support without moral prosecution?

And where should the line be drawn between personal liberty and public accountability?

The answer lies in clarity and consistency. If Mr Gyamfi’s gesture was personal, he should communicate that openly.

If symbolic, it must be contextualised. Public figures operate in a space where  intent is often overshadowed by public perception.

The burden of transparency, therefore, is heavier.

Ethical reforms

I must hint that as Ghana pushes for ethical reforms in public service, actions like this test the resolve of political parties to practise what they preach.

For the NDC and other political actors, such moments are opportunities to either reinforce trust or deepen public cynicism.

In the end, Ghanaians are justified in demanding accountability.

But that demand must be tempered with fairness.

Mr Gyamfi’s act may have been ill-timed or poorly explained, but whether it breaches ethical norms should be determined by facts and context, not by outrage alone.

Should politicians be barred from personal donations in public settings?

This debate will likely persist as Ghanaians continue to navigate the complex relationship between governance, religion and morality.

However, in doing so, it shouldn't be seen as an avenue for personal vendetta.

We must rise against any form of hate.

2024 Best Graduating Student in Journalism, UniMAC-IJ
E-mail: sbdonkorjunior@gmail.com