'Jesus was accused; yet he kept quiet' - Afenyo-Markin on Sammy Gyamfi allegation
Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, appears to have backed away from his earlier threat to take legal action against Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, over comments he considers defamatory.
Afenyo-Markin had earlier indicated that he would pursue legal remedies over allegations against him, including claims portraying him as an “extortionist”.
However, speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday, August 23 2026, the Effutu MP declined to confirm whether he would actually take Gyamfi to court.
Afenyo-Markin threatens legal action over 'extortionist' allegation
Instead, he invoked the biblical example of Jesus Christ, saying he would not allow the allegations to draw him into an emotional response.
“I have made certain statements. I would rely on them without more. Don't rush. In the Bible, Jesus was accused; wild allegations. He kept quiet and watched them. He could have done anything,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin said his position as Minority Leader required him to exercise restraint and avoid being drawn into what he described as a political distraction.
“So if I were carried away with emotions, I would fail. It's not an emotional game. It's not a game that somebody attacks you; you should also react. No, you won't get it,” he said.
“There is always a bait in politics, and don't underestimate it. Opponents also have a strategy,” he added.
He believes the attacks against him could be an attempt to shift attention from the Minority’s concerns over reported losses linked to the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP).
“I was a majority leader. I know how government operates. I know how government can divert attention. So I've been there. Because the government must hold itself together, so it can be thrown in today's social media. Let's divert attention. Let's stain the man,” he said.
The Minority Leader said he would rather concentrate on the parliamentary inquiry the NPP caucus is seeking into the reported GoldBod losses.
“We want to focus. We promised the people of Ghana that we would file a motion; we have filed that motion,” he stated.
He insisted that the demand for an inquiry was not a partisan attack but a matter of national interest.
“This is an important national issue. It is not a partisan call. It is a patriotic call being made by a vigilant minority, however few our numbers,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that political opponents had a right to criticise him but said some of the language used had gone too far.
“You know, we are in a political environment; people are free to oppose or disagree. But what the political environment cannot tolerate is the excesses there too. I have become aware of certain unacceptable language being put out there,” he stressed.
He said the Minority Caucus had already taken steps over the comments but would not allow the controversy to derail its work.
“I believe that I've taken appropriate steps together with my colleagues in the caucus, and we don't want to fall into any bait of diversion,” he stated.
Afenyo-Markin also pointed to the political pressures faced by former Minority Leader and current Majority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, while in opposition.
“In opposition, like I said, was Ato Forson not in court? Wasn't his situation worse than mine? Do you get what I mean?” he questioned.
“Look, I won't be the first minority leader to suffer attacks,” he said.
He said the immediate priority was to get the motion admitted and establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the reported losses.
He further called for the proceedings to be broadcast live so Ghanaians could follow the inquiry.
“But I pray for a live broadcast of the hearing. We expect that once the motion is carried, there will be a full public hearing of these GoldBod losses,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin expressed hope that the committee would complete its work in time for its findings to inform consideration of the 2027 Budget.
“I hope by that time the report will be ready, and once it is ready, the good people of Ghana will see,” he said.
NA/VPO
Source: www.ghanaweb.com« Previous |
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