Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s spokesperson, Fiifi Boafo, has called on the Gold Board (GOLDBOD) to focus on explaining reported losses from gold transactions instead of engaging in personal attacks.
Fiifi Boafo said the ongoing debate over the alleged losses had shifted from the main issue after officials of GOLDBOD and some members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) responded with what he described as insults and accusations.
Speaking in an interview, he said GOLDBOD officials should provide clear information about the reported losses and explain where responsibility lies.
According to Mr Boafo, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report indicated that the government suffered losses through gold transactions. He argued that the public therefore deserved a detailed explanation of what happened.
“It is true government made losses, and it was through gold, and GOLDBOD went to buy it,” he said.
He criticised GOLDBOD Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi and NDC communicator Eric Adjei for allegedly allowing emotions to dominate the discussion.
Mr Boafo said the response should have addressed the substance of the concerns rather than attacking individuals who had raised questions about the transactions.
He also referred to comments by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin concerning possible bail conditions if the GOLDBOD CEO were arrested and questioned over the matter.
Mr Boafo said the reaction to the comments was unnecessary, particularly given what he described as previous strong accusations made against former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr Bawumia.
The NPP communicator further recalled the NDC’s criticism of the previous administration over a reported GH¢400 million loss under the Gold-for-Oil programme.
He said the current government must therefore be prepared to accept scrutiny over financial losses involving the country’s gold trade.
Mr Boafo also called for assurances that similar losses would not occur in the future. He stressed that because public funds and interventions involving the Bank of Ghana are at stake, taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being managed.
He urged GOLDBOD to provide clear answers to the reported losses and restore public confidence in the management of Ghana’s gold resources.
