Ghana's Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, will pursue legal action over what he calls defamatory statements made against him. These statements are part of an ongoing dispute concerning the Bank of Ghana's (BoG) Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP).
Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated that personal attacks against him are an attempt to distract from serious questions he raised. These questions concern the DGPP and the Ghana Gold Board's (GoldBod) involvement in its transactions. The Minority Leader's response follows a heated exchange with GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi.
This controversy fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative of scrutinizing public financial management. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported an approximately US$1.7 billion loss from the DGPP in 2025. This significant figure has intensified calls for transparency and accountability regarding state-backed financial initiatives. The programme's financial health directly impacts public resources and Ghana's overall economic stability.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin explicitly stated, "On the defamatory statements made against me personally, I intend to pursue the appropriate legal remedies." He emphasized that these allegations are false and aim to impugn his character. He also noted that the attacks go beyond criticism of his official position.
This threat of legal action adds a new layer to the already intense debate surrounding the DGPP. It signals a potential shift from political rhetoric to formal legal proceedings. Decision-makers and the public will closely watch how this legal challenge unfolds. It could influence future parliamentary oversight and public discourse on financial programmes involving state entities. The outcome may also set a precedent for how public officials address personal attacks during policy debates.
The Domestic Gold Purchase Programme was designed to boost Ghana's gold reserves and stabilize the cedi. However, the reported US$1.7 billion loss has raised serious concerns about its implementation and oversight. GoldBod's participation in these transactions has placed it at the center of the political debate. The Minority has consistently demanded more clarity on the financial implications of these transactions. They argue that public funds are at stake, requiring full parliamentary scrutiny.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin, who is also the Member of Parliament for Effutu, has maintained his stance. He insists that the issue warrants thorough parliamentary investigation. He believes the funds involved are public resources, demanding accountability. His latest statement, however, aims to separate the personal attacks from the core financial questions. He wants to ensure the focus remains on the programme's economic impact. This distinction highlights the tension between political debate and personal reputation. It underscores the challenges faced by public figures when raising critical questions about government initiatives.
The legal action could potentially reveal more details about the DGPP's operations. It might also shed light on the specific roles of various entities, including GoldBod. Such transparency is crucial for maintaining public trust in financial institutions and government programmes. The situation also reflects the heightened political climate in Ghana as the country approaches future elections. Economic issues, especially those involving large sums, often become central to political campaigns. This development ensures the DGPP remains a key topic of discussion. It will continue to draw attention from both political analysts and the general public.