The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) says it will assess allegations of extortion and related conduct made by the Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, against the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

According to a press release issued on Monday, August 24, the anti-corruption agency said it had taken note of the allegations, which have attracted public attention, as well as petitions submitted to it in connection with the matter.

The OSP disclosed that it had received a joint petition from two individuals concerning the allegations.

It also confirmed receiving two separate petitions from other individuals relating to the same matter.

According to the OSP, the first step will be to examine the nature and substance of the allegations and determine whether the case falls within the scope of its statutory mandate.

The office will subsequently decide whether the circumstances disclosed in the allegations and petitions provide sufficient grounds for further investigative action.

“Given the nature of the allegations, the OSP will assess the case and determine whether it falls within its statutory mandate and whether further investigative action is warranted,” the statement said.

‘Jesus was accused; he kept quiet’

Meanwhile, the Minority Leader appears to have softened his earlier threat to pursue legal action over allegations made against him by the GoldBod CEO.

Mr Afenyo-Markin had indicated in a Facebook post that he would seek legal remedies over what he described as defamatory allegations, including claims portraying him as an “extortionist”.

But less than 24 hours later, the Effutu MP adopted a more measured tone when asked whether he would indeed take Mr Gyamfi to court over the comments.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday evening, August 23, Mr Afenyo-Markin declined to commit himself to legal action, instead invoking the biblical example of Jesus Christ, who he said remained silent despite being subjected to accusations.

“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 could have done anything.”

He said he was conscious of the expectations placed on him as Minority Leader and would not allow emotions to dictate his response to the attacks.