A senior member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Justice Retired Seth Aduadem Alafa, has called on party members to rally behind and protect the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Mr Sammy Gyamfi, amid growing political criticism.
According to the retired High Court judge, the Mahama-led government is steadily delivering on its promises to improve the lives of Ghanaians, but some political actors are deliberately searching for controversies to distract the administration.
“Unfortunately, Sammy Gyamfi has been targeted, even though he is doing very well for this country. We should all sit up and protect him because he is delivering,” he stated.
Justice Alafa made the remarks while delivering a lecture on the history of the NDC’s revolutionary roots during the 44th anniversary celebration of the 31st December Revolution held at Sandema in the Builsa area. The event was held under the theme, “Consolidating the Reset Agenda: Reflections on the Gains of the 31st December Revolution.”
The programme brought together senior and junior party cadres from across the region, including the Member of Parliament for Builsa North, James Agalga; the Builsa South District Chief Executive, Anne Musah; as well as regional and constituency executives.
His comments come in the wake of criticisms from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament over a reported $214 million loss under the Gold-for-Reserves programme, which has placed GoldBod under public scrutiny.
Justice Alafa described the criticisms as attempts to intimidate and divert the attention of the GoldBod CEO from his mandate. “That is what we do not want. If that is the direction they are taking, then we must also rise and protect him,” he added.
He also paid tribute to pioneers of the NDC in the Builsa area, including Ankisiba Alafisa, the first party chairman in the area, Akinkang Anyanga, Daniel Awonwie Syme, and Major Regent Achaab, acknowledging their sacrifices in building the party.
The senior cadre further prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, urging party members to uphold their vision and sacrifices.
Speaking on the role of cadres in modern Ghanaian politics, another senior cadre, Anthony Ayende Akanbontoga, stressed the need for discipline and cooperation within communities. He said today’s cadres must embody the party’s core values of probity and accountability while working constructively with others.
Upper East Regional Chairman of the United Cadres Front (UCF), Daniel Adoliba Akologo, also reminded participants that the 31st December Revolution was founded on the principles of probity, accountability, freedom, and justice.
He noted that under the leadership of Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, the revolution sought to confront corruption, economic mismanagement, and social injustice, placing power in the hands of ordinary Ghanaians.
According to him, the wreath-laying and perpetual flame ceremonies held annually serve as a mark of respect for those who sacrificed their lives to defend the ideals of the revolution.