GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi has called for public discussions about the state gold trading company to be based on official records. He stated that budget documents and audited financial statements provide the appropriate basis for assessing its operations. This directive aims to ensure accuracy and transparency in public discourse regarding GoldBod.
Gyamfi's comments directly addressed allegations raised by Atiwa East MP Abena Osei Asare. He repeatedly referred to the 2025 Budget Statement and the Auditor-General’s published report. Both documents, he noted, are readily available for public scrutiny and verification. Gyamfi highlighted that the approved budget clearly explains the source and purpose of the GHS 4.5 billion allocated to GoldBod as revolving seed capital.
This call for evidence-based debate comes amid increased public scrutiny of state-owned enterprises and their financial dealings. Ghana's economic stability often depends on the transparent management of public funds and resources. The allocation of significant capital to entities like GoldBod, which plays a role in the country's gold sector, naturally attracts attention. Ensuring that such discussions are rooted in verifiable data is crucial for maintaining public trust and investor confidence in the Ghanaian economy.
“Check the 2025 Budget Statement of Government,” Gyamfi stated on JoyNews. He added, “The Ministry of Finance provided revolving seed capital for the Ghana Gold Board, an amount of GHS 4.5 billion.” Gyamfi asserted that the release of these funds followed parliamentary approval. He maintained that this process should not be misinterpreted as evidence of financial impropriety. He also urged critics to examine the company's audited financial statements before making any allegations.
Gyamfi emphasized the accessibility of these crucial financial documents. “The 2025 audited financial statements of the Gold Board have been audited and published by the Auditor-General of Ghana,” he confirmed. He further explained that these documents are publicly accessible through GoldBod's own platforms. “She can go to the Auditor-General for our published audited financials. Or she should go to the Gold Board website and check for herself. Everything is there,” he stated, challenging critics to verify facts.
The CEO maintained that these published records offer a factual basis for evaluating GoldBod's financial performance and compliance. He argued that anyone raising concerns about the company should rely on these official documents. This approach, he believes, would prevent reliance on assumptions or misinformation. The ongoing debate underscores the importance of robust financial oversight and accountability for public institutions in Ghana.
The implications of this call for transparency are significant for public finance and governance. It sets a precedent for how allegations against state entities should be addressed. Decision-makers and market participants will closely watch how GoldBod responds to these challenges. This situation also highlights the critical role of the Auditor-General's reports in ensuring accountability. Future public debates on state enterprises will likely be held to a similar standard of evidence-based discussion.
Gyamfi concluded by directly challenging his accusers. “I’m daring her. Invite the Gold Board to come and show us one evidence of siphoning public funds or misappropriation of public funds in our audited financial statements,” he declared. This firm stance indicates GoldBod's confidence in its financial records. It also signals a commitment to defending its operations through official documentation.