The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), Sammy Gyamfi, has broken his silence following public backlash over a viral video showing him handing US dollar bills to controversial figure Patricia Aseidu, popularly known as Evangelist Mama Pat or Agradaa.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Mr. Gyamfi clarified that the gesture was a private act of kindness that was never intended for public consumption. According to him, helping people in need has always been part of his personal values and daily practice.
“To clarify, this was simply a kind gesture to a fellow human being, in line with my daily and life-long custom of lending a helping hand to people in need. I sincerely thought that I was doing this act of kindness in private, and never imagined that same could find its way into the public space. That is unfortunate and regrettable,” he stated.
The video, which began circulating on social media over the weekend, sparked criticism from various quarters, including supporters of the ruling government and civil society observers, who questioned the propriety of such an act by a public official, especially involving a figure with a controversial past.
Acknowledging the concerns raised, Mr. Gyamfi issued an apology to critics, particularly to those he described as “comrades” who felt hurt by the incident.
Despite the controversy, he reiterated his commitment to serving the public and fulfilling the mandate given him by President John Dramani Mahama.
“Let me state however, that my view of public office as a privilege to serve society, solve problems and help others, has not changed,” he affirmed.
