The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has defended the Managing Director of the Ghana Gold Marketing Board (GoldBoard), Sammy Gyamfi, over a viral video that has sparked public criticism and calls for disciplinary action.

The video, which shows Gyamfi presenting what appears to be bundles of US dollars to Evangelist Patricia Oduro, popularly known as Agradaa, ignited widespread backlash, with many questioning the appropriateness of a senior government official engaging with a controversial religious figure in such a manner.

However, Mr Tameklo — who also serves as Gyamfi’s legal counsel — maintained that no violation of the presidential Code of Conduct had occurred.

“The Code of Conduct launched by the President focuses on preventing public officials from receiving gifts, not necessarily giving them,” Tameklo explained.

“In this instance, Sammy Gyamfi offered something, not the other way around.

So, with the greatest respect, there is no breach of the Code.”

While acknowledging the discomfort the video may have caused the public, Mr Tameklo stressed the need for young public officials to uphold high ethical standards.

“We’re judged by a very high standard.

Over 70% of current ministers, CEOs, and deputy CEOs are under the age of 50.

We must be careful and sensitive to how we conduct ourselves in public,” he stated.

Tameklo commended Gyamfi for his swift response, noting that he issued a public apology within 24 hours of the video going viral.

“That shows leadership and responsibility,” he said. “He apologised unreservedly to the people of Ghana and to His Excellency the President.

That’s what is expected of us.”

He also confirmed that Gyamfi had been summoned by the Chief of Staff regarding the incident and expressed optimism that the matter would soon be laid to rest.

“With sackcloth and ashes, I plead with Ghanaians to forgive this lapse in judgment.

The apology has been made. The lesson has been learned. It is time for us to move forward,” Tameklo concluded

He spoke in an interview on  Accra-based TV3 on Monday, 12 May.