The Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has criticised the government’s response to the recent controversy involving Sammy Gyamfi, the Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, describing the official action taken as inadequate and lacking legitimacy.

Mr Mohammed was reacting to a decision made by the government through the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, issuing a formal caution to Mr Gyamfi following a public backlash over a controversial cash gift.

• Read also: No further actions ought to be taken against Sammy Gyamfi beyond apology and caution – Presidency

Mr Gyamfi was seen in a viral video showing him handing out dollar notes to social media personality and church entrepreneur, Patricia Asieduaa, popularly known as Mama Pat or Agradaa.

The official subsequently apologised for what he admitted to be an "unfortunate act of indiscretion," after which he was summoned by the Presidency.

Government spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, today said the Presidency has declared the matter resolved after his apology.

"So in view of that, the Presidency does not believe that any further actions ought to be taken beyond the apology and the caution," Mr Kwakye Ofosu stated.

But speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Wednesday, May 14, Mr Mohammed questioned the foundation of the government’s response, arguing that the caution issued was not grounded in any formal investigative process.

“The action is not based on any fine base, the action is based on their own resolution. That is what we are talking about,” he said.

“So once the action is not binding or the action is not bound on any foundation or investigation, then the presidency cannot convince us.”

He further challenged the precedent set by merely accepting an apology, suggesting that it could open the door for impunity among public officials.

“It doesn’t have any basis. We are not convinced that someone should apologise, and that’s the end of it. So today, if any other minister commits a crime, the person comes out to apologise and that is all?” he asked.