Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has signalled a change in approach to allegations made against him by Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi, choosing to prioritise the Minority’s parliamentary push for an inquiry into the institution’s reported losses.
Mr Afenyo-Markin had earlier threatened to pursue legal action over comments he considered defamatory, including allegations describing him as an “extortionist”.
However, appearing on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday, August 23, 2026, the Effutu MP stopped short of confirming whether he would proceed with a court action against Mr Gyamfi.
Instead, he said he would exercise restraint and avoid being drawn into what he believes could be an attempt to divert attention from the substantive issues being raised by the Minority.
Drawing on the biblical account of Jesus Christ, Mr Afenyo-Markin said he would not allow the allegations to provoke 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 said.
He explained that his position as Minority Leader required him to remain focused on his parliamentary responsibilities rather than respond to every criticism directed at him.
“So if I were carried away with emotions, I would fail. It’s not an emotional game,” he added.
Minority prioritises GoldBod inquiry
Mr Afenyo-Markin suggested that the attacks against him could form part of a broader strategy to shift public attention away from the Minority’s concerns over the reported losses associated with the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP).
Having previously served as Majority Leader, he said he understood how political actors could attempt to redirect public discourse when facing scrutiny.
“I know how government operates. I know how government can divert attention,” he said.
The Minority Leader maintained that the NPP Caucus would instead concentrate on a motion seeking a parliamentary inquiry 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 driven by national interest rather than partisan considerations.
“This is an important national issue. It is not a partisan call. It is a patriotic call being made by a vigilant minority,” he said.
Calls for live broadcast of inquiry
Mr Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that political figures would naturally face criticism but expressed concern about what he described as excessive and unacceptable language used against him.
He said he and members of the Minority Caucus had taken appropriate steps regarding the comments but were determined not to allow the controversy to derail their work.
The Minority Leader said the immediate objective was to have the motion admitted and subsequently establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the reported losses.
He also called for the committee’s proceedings to be broadcast live to allow the public to follow the inquiry.
“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.
Mr Afenyo-Markin further expressed hope that the committee would conclude its work early enough for its findings to be considered ahead of the 2027 Budget.
He said the eventual report should enable Ghanaians to understand the circumstances surrounding the reported losses and provide answers to the concerns raised by the Minority.
