Clear your name immediately – PAGA urges Afenyo-Markin over alleged defamatory remarks

The People's Alliance for Government and Accountability (PAGA) has urged Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to clear his name following allegations made by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi. However, with Mr Afenyo-Markin already initiating legal action, PAGA insists the matter should now be handled through legal and accountability processes.

At a press conference in Accra, PAGA's Co-Convenor, Kofi Dapaah, emphasized that the Minority Leader holds a crucial position in Ghana's governance and must address the allegations properly. PAGA is concerned about claims suggesting Mr Afenyo-Markin may have demanded money, a settlement, or favours from GoldBod executives. They are calling for clarity and urging Mr Gyamfi to present evidence in the appropriate channels.

According to Dapaah, such serious allegations should not remain as political accusations without scrutiny. If the GoldBod CEO has evidence, it should be presented to the relevant authorities and the court as the legal process progresses. PAGA's stance follows Mr Afenyo-Markin's filing of separate lawsuits over the allegations, signaling his desire for judicial resolution.

The group also called on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure proper accounting for reported losses from the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme and put measures in place to prevent future occurrences. Mr Dapaah stressed that the controversy should not divert attention from the broader need for transparency and accountability in managing Ghana's gold resources.