Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), has defended his decision to describe Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin as an “extortionist”.
According to Sammy Gyamfi, his comment was made based on underlying issues between him and Afenyo-Markin which are not known to the public.
Sammy Gyamfi on Joy News’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, August 22, 2026, disclosed that he had never used the term against any of his other critics, arguing that his choice of words was based on specific matters involving Afenyo-Markin.
Sammy Gyamfi on Newsfile stated, “You see, my brother, there are many underlying issues between Afenyo-Markin and me that you don’t know, and those watching don’t know. I have appeared on Newsfile too many times. Perhaps in this country I have held more press conferences on political issues than anybody”.
“Have you ever heard me use the word extortion against any of my critics? Have you ever heard me? Why would I use this word now? And why have you not heard Afenyo say anything about that, or challenge me, or threaten to sue? So, the NPP people talking; there are things you don’t know,” he added.
According to Sammy Gyamfi, Afenyo-Markin had not publicly rebutted the allegation because he knows the claim to be true, adding that the absence of a legal challenge or direct response from the Effutu MP was significant.
“I will not just… Me, I’m a consummate democrat. I eat and drink debates. Yes, and that is why he cannot comment on that or even challenge me. He cannot, because he knows that what I said is true. So, there are many things that you may not have the benefit of,” he stated.
“Tell him that you want to be his lawyer so that he sues Sammy Gyamfi to substantiate that claim. Tell him. Or tell him that you will give him an interview here and Sammy Gyamfi will come, and that he should dare Sammy Gyamfi,” he said.
“That is not an insult. I’m speaking about what has happened, and he knows.” Gyamfi concluded.
Also, Sammy Gyamfi has rejected claims that he insulted Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
According to Sammy Gyamfi, he did not insult the Minority Leader, stressing that Afenyo-Markin got the response he deserved.
Sammy Gyamfi invoked Newton’s Third Law of Motion to explain his response, saying: “For every action, there is equal and opposite reaction.”
He argued that Afenyo-Markin’s comments were beyond ordinary political criticism because they sought to associate him with serious wrongdoing.
Sammy Gyamfi stated, “I never insulted him. And nobody can show me one word that I used that was insulting. Afenyo-Markin got the response he deserved”.
He argued that while he accepts criticism from political opponents, Afenyo-Markin’s comments were motivated by malice.
He added, “When you listen to those criticisms, you see maybe a lack of information. But they don’t make it personal. But when you listen to him, you hear malice for Mr Gyamfi. This issue is not about Sammy Gyamfi”.
Sammy Gyamfi stated, “Just like he can criticise me, he’s also not beyond reproach. This is not an insult. I am showing you that this is your record.”
“Have you ever heard me use the word extortion against any of my critics? Have you ever heard me? Why will I use this word now?” he asked.
“There are many underlying issues between Afenyo-Markin and I that you don’t know and those watching don’t know,” Mr Gyamfi said.
“I’m a consummate democrat. I eat and drink debates because I’m not worried,” he said.
Watch the video below:
"Afenyo-Markin sold water and electricity, and still made losses"
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) August 22, 2026
– @SammyGyamfi_ responds to Afenyo-Markin and calls him an extortionist. #Newsfile pic.twitter.com/UYExBHCid0
@ghnow_ Asamoah Gyan and brother honor their late father with a dance #GHnow #Fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ A chief joins the dance in a deeply sorrowful moment as the family honours Asamoah Gyan’s late father. 🕊️💔 #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
