The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has received three petitions concerning extortion allegations made by Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, against Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

The OSP said one of the petitions was jointly submitted by two individuals, while two separate petitions were filed by other persons, all in relation to the allegations.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 24, the OSP said it had taken note of the public allegations of extortion and related conduct made by Mr Gyamfi against Mr Afenyo-Markin.

The office subsequently confirmed that it had received three petitions seeking its attention on the matter.

“The OSP also acknowledges a joint petition submitted by two persons, as well as two separate petitions submitted by other persons, in relation to the allegations,” it said.

The OSP said receipt of the petitions did not amount to a determination of the truth or otherwise of the allegations.

It explained that it would first assess the matter to establish whether the allegations fall within its statutory mandate and whether there are 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 office said.

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The development comes amid an escalating public dispute between Mr Gyamfi and Mr Afenyo-Markin over the Minority’s concerns about the financial performance of GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.

Mr Afenyo-Markin has denied the allegations against him and has indicated that he is considering his legal options.