Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi to be more receptive to criticism of the institution.

The legislator insisted that the opposition’s concerns are about the Board's operations and not a personal attack on him.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said neither he nor former Deputy Finance Minister Abena Osei Asare harboured any hatred towards Mr Gyamfi despite recent political disagreements over GoldBod.

“NPP, nobody hates you. Abena Osei Asare doesn’t hate you. I don’t hate you. We want the best for you,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin's comments come amid heightened scrutiny of GoldBod and controversy over claims circulating on social media linking a man identified as Dominic Bonsu to Mr Gyamfi's security detail.

The claims have included an allegation that GH¢200 million belonging to GoldBod had been taken by the businessman.

Mr Gyamfi has rejected the allegations, describing them as false and part of what he considers a coordinated disinformation campaign against him.

Speaking on X Spaces on Sunday, August 9, the GoldBod CEO denied any connection between his bodyguards and gold trading or the alleged loss of state funds.

“None of my bodyguards is involved in gold trading, and none of my bodyguards has stolen or taken Gold Board money,” he said.

Mr Gyamfi also denied that Mr Bonsu had served as his bodyguard.

He said his understanding was that Mr Bonsu was a licensed gold dealer and an executive of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the constituency level in the Manso area of the Ashanti Region.

“The said Dominic Bonsu, I understand, is even a constituency executive of the NPP somewhere in the Manso area in the Ashanti Region,” Mr Gyamfi said.

He also questioned the suggestion that Mr Bonsu had worked as part of his security detail, referring to the physical difference between the two men.

GoldBod has separately rejected the allegation of a GH¢200 million loss and the claim that Mr Bonsu was a former bodyguard to the CEO.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said Mr Gyamfi should respond to questions about GoldBod on their merits instead of treating criticism as an attack on his character.

He also cautioned against allowing political allies or media personalities to attack those who raise questions about the institution.

“Some of the people you think are your friends today, that you deploy to attack us merely for questioning certain actions at GoldBod may not be there for you tomorrow,” he said.

Speaking on Accra-based Metro TV, the Minority Leader urged Mr Gyamfi to take time to consider the issues raised by the opposition and provide answers rather than respond with attacks.

“So, take it easy. When we raise issues, take your time and respond. Don’t come and attack us. Don’t engage others to attack us because we criticise GoldBod,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also reminded Mr Gyamfi of his conduct while the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was in opposition.

“You were very loud when you were in opposition. You raised critical issues. You were the loudest in opposition,” he said.

According to the Minority Leader, Mr Gyamfi's experience in opposition should make him more tolerant of criticism now that he occupies a senior public office.

“I am sure you should have a certain level of tolerance to even listen to the issues we raise,” he added.

Mr Afenyo-Markin further argued that some of the issues being raised about GoldBod were not simply political accusations made by the opposition.

He claimed that some of the concerns had also been raised in reports by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other institutions he described as credible.

“Most of the issues you raise are issues that have been reported by IMF, by institutions that are credible,” he said.

The Minority Leader stressed that the opposition's scrutiny was directed at GoldBod's activities rather than Mr Gyamfi personally.

“We are not after your person. We are after the excesses in the activities at your institution,” he said.

He therefore appealed to the GoldBod CEO not to personalise disagreements over the management of the institution.

“So please, don’t take it personal. Let’s work together, let’s understand the issues,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.

He also warned Mr Gyamfi that concerns dismissed today could become problematic in the future.

“When we raise them, take note, because one day, some of these things may come back and haunt you,” he cautioned.

Mr Afenyo-Markin further suggested that individuals who currently defend Mr Gyamfi in the media may not necessarily remain supportive of him in the future.

“And maybe a media person that is supporting you today may not be there for you tomorrow,” he added.