Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin Sues GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi Amid Extortion Allegations and OSP Assessment

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin is embroiled in a significant legal and political dispute following allegations of extortion made by Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). The controversy began after Afenyo-Markin demanded accountability for a reported $1.7 billion loss by the Bank of Ghana under its Domestic Gold Purchase Programme in 2025. In response, Gyamfi labeled the Minority Leader an "extortionist," prompting Afenyo-Markin to file defamation lawsuits in the Accra High Court and the Achimota Circuit Court seeking GH¢15 million in damages. While Afenyo-Markin has expressed his full readiness to cooperate with the Ghana Police Service and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to clear his name, the allegations have sparked a broader national conversation regarding the integrity of Parliament. The OSP has confirmed it is currently assessing three petitions related to these claims to determine if a formal investigation is warranted. Governance experts and civil society leaders have warned that the public spat could further erode trust in Ghana’s democratic institutions. Dr. John Osae-Kwapong of CDD-Ghana and Dr. Rasheed Dramani of the Africa Centre for Parliamentary Affairs emphasized that these allegations exacerbate an existing crisis of confidence in the legislature, fueled by high perceptions of corruption. Dr. Dramani criticized the culture of "partisan solidarity" that often shields MPs from accountability and proposed the formation of an independent committee, including eminent citizens, to investigate such matters transparently. Former Lands Minister Inusah Fuseini echoed these sentiments, warning that the perception of MPs prioritizing personal gain over their public mandate threatens the legitimacy of the house. Amidst the escalating tension, incoming Majority Leader James Agalga has called for a "temporary ceasefire," urging all parties to exercise restraint and allow state institutions to conclude their investigations. While some legal observers have suggested Afenyo-Markin step aside temporarily to preserve the dignity of his office, the Minority Leader maintains that his conscience is clear and he has served with integrity. As the legal proceedings commence under the current Mahama administration, the resolution of this case is seen as a critical test for parliamentary self-scrutiny and the ability of state investigative bodies to uphold accountability in the face of high-level political conflict.