'In the face of allegations of extortion I have caused writs to be filed' - Afenyo-Markin sues Sammy Gyamfi, others

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has received allegations of extortion and related conduct against the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin. These allegations were brought to the OSP's attention by Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). Additionally, two joint petitions and two separate petitions have been submitted in connection with these allegations.

The OSP has stated that it will evaluate the case to determine if it falls within its statutory mandate and if further investigations are necessary. This development arises from a contentious public dispute between the Minority in Parliament and GoldBod over the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. The Minority, led by Afenyo-Markin, has alleged that GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana caused a loss of over $1.7 billion, based on the International Monetary Fund's August 2026 report.

The Minority has pledged to continue pursuing the matter following Parliament's reconvening for an emergency session. Conversely, GoldBod has denied claims by certain National Democratic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament, such as Tano South MP Dr Gideon Boako, regarding a GH¢1 billion overdraft owed to the Bank of Ghana, labeling the accusation as "false and malicious."

The OSP, tasked under Act 959 to investigate and prosecute alleged or suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses involving public officials and politically exposed persons, is now set to assess the extortion allegations against Afenyo-Markin.