The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has confirmed receiving three petitions concerning extortion allegations levelled against Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, by Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi.
The anti-corruption agency said the petitions include one jointly submitted by two individuals and two separate petitions filed by other persons, all seeking attention to the allegations involving the Minority Leader.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 24, the OSP said it had taken note of the public claims and would first assess the matter to determine whether it falls within the agency’s statutory mandate.
The office will also consider whether the circumstances warrant further investigative action.
“The OSP also acknowledges a joint petition submitted by two persons, as well as two separate petitions submitted by other persons, in relation to the allegations,” it said.
The OSP stressed that its receipt of the petitions should not be interpreted as confirmation that the allegations against Mr Afenyo-Markin are true.
“Given the nature of the allegations, the OSP will assess the case and determine whether it falls within its statutory mandate and whether further investigative action is warranted,” the office said.
Background to the dispute
The development comes amid an increasingly public confrontation between Mr Gyamfi and Mr Afenyo-Markin over the financial performance of GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.
Mr Gyamfi has accused the Minority Leader of extortion, allegations which Mr Afenyo-Markin has denied.
The Minority Leader has also indicated that he is considering legal action against the GoldBod CEO over the claims.
The dispute has also featured competing claims over alleged losses of about GH¢22 billion, equivalent to approximately US$1.7 billion, reportedly linked to the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme in 2025.
United Party petition
Separately, the United Party has petitioned the Attorney-General and other anti-corruption and security agencies to investigate the extortion allegations against Mr Afenyo-Markin.
The petition was filed by the party’s Communications Director, Solomon Owusu, and Legal Director, Andrew Appiah-Danquah.
The OSP’s assessment of the petitions will determine whether the allegations fall within its jurisdiction and whether there is a basis for any further action.
