Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi, has questioned Sammy Gyamfi’s suitability to lead the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), arguing that he lacks the requisite experience in the gold industry.
His comments come amid claims by the Minority in Parliament that the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme has resulted in losses of about US$1.7 billion.
According to Adomako Kissi, Ghana’s gold sector requires professionals with strong technical expertise and years of experience in mining, gold trading and pricing.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Tuesday, August 25, Dr Adomako Kissi said the controversy surrounding GoldBod highlights the risks of appointing political party loyalists to technically demanding positions.
“Sometimes we don’t look for expertise in the field. We rather place party apparatchiks in positions that are very critical to Ghana’s development,” he said.
He argued that an experienced mining or gold industry professional would be better positioned to negotiate gold prices and manage transactions on behalf of the country.
He added that the challenge was not unique to the current administration, arguing that both the NPP and the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) have at times prioritised political considerations over professional competence in public appointments.
He warned that inadequate technical knowledge in the gold sector could cost Ghana financially, particularly during negotiations over gold prices on the local and international markets.
“I’ve said that this is a problem for both NPP and NDC, where people without the requisite knowledge and experience are put in these positions, and it’s costing our country,” he added.
