Associate Professor at the University of Ghana School of Law says President John Mahama’s handling of a recent cash gifting controversy involving the acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, was insufficient, describing the response as merely "a slap on the wrist."

Speaking on JoyFM’s Top Story on Wednesday, May 14, Prof Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua said the president’s decision to declare the matter resolved after Mr Gyamfi's apology only falls short of the ethical standards the administration claims to uphold.

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

"I think that if we really want to be seen to be serious about going by the ethics that he [ President Mahama] has set for this government to fulfill, then what he has done, in my opinion, only constitutes a slap on the wrist. He should have gone beyond that," Prof Appiagye-Atua said.

“At minimum, I would have expected a suspension or a public apology by Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, or even the president making a statement to show that he is serious about resetting the agenda.”

The controversy erupted after a viral video showed Mr Gyamfi handing out dollars to social media personality Patricia Asieduaa, popularly known as Mama Pat or Agradaa.

Following public backlash, Mr Gyamfi apologised, describing his actions as “an unfortunate act of indiscretion.”

• Read also: Chief of Staff summons Sammy Gyamfi over viral cash gift to Agradaa

He was subsequently summoned by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah.

On the back of this, the Chief of Staff formally cautioned the acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board.

Government spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who announced this on Wednesday, stated that the Presidency has declared the matter resolved with no further disciplinary action to follow.

"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.

• Read also: Presidency’s decision on Sammy Gyamfi gifting saga baseless – Haruna Mohammed

Appiagyei-Atua, however, said the incident raises broader concerns beyond legal boundaries, highlighting the moral and social contract implications.

He also criticised what he described as a pattern of inconsistency in political conduct across administrations.

“This chameleon-like behaviour is something that is being played between the NPP and the NDC,” he added.