Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has fired back at allegations made against him by Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi. In a recent interview on JoyNews' The Probe, Afenyo-Markin declined to commit himself to legal action over the comments, instead invoking the biblical example of Jesus Christ.
Afenyo-Markin Deflects Allegations, Cites Biblical Example
Afenyo-Markin was accused by Gyamfi of being an "extortionist" and making defamatory statements. However, when asked if he would take Gyamfi to court, Afenyo-Markin adopted a more measured tone, saying, "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."
The Minority Leader emphasized that he would not allow emotions to dictate his response to the attacks, saying, "When you are dealing with situations, the people of Ghana expect a certain level of maturity from me." Afenyo-Markin also suggested that the attacks against him could be part of an attempt to shift public attention away from questions over the reported losses associated with the Bank of Ghana's Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP).
Afenyo-Markin Focuses on Parliamentary Inquiry
Afenyo-Markin stated that the Minority would remain focused on its planned parliamentary inquiry into the reported losses under the gold purchase programme. He said, "We want to focus. We promised the people of Ghana that we would file a motion; we have filed that motion." Afenyo-Markin also referenced the experience of current Majority Leader and former Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who faced criminal proceedings while serving in opposition.
No Distracting Afenyo-Markin from Scrutiny of Government
Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that political opponents were entitled to criticise him but warned against what he described as excessive and unacceptable language. He said, "You know, we are in a political environment; people are free to oppose or disagree. But what the political environment cannot tolerate is the excesses there too." Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the Minority's concerns over the DGPP and reported losses associated with it were a matter of national interest rather than a partisan political attack.
What's Next for Afenyo-Markin and the Minority
The Minority Leader's comments have sparked renewed interest in the controversy surrounding the Bank of Ghana's Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. Afenyo-Markin's decision not to commit to legal action has shifted the focus back to the planned parliamentary inquiry into the reported losses. The Minority's scrutiny of the government will continue, and Afenyo-Markin has made it clear that he is prepared to face any challenges that arise. The immediate priority is to secure parliamentary approval for the inquiry, and the Minority will remain focused on holding the government to account.
Source: Joy Online
