Sammy Gyamfi has described his appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board as an unexpected but deeply humbling turn in his public service journey.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, Mr Gyamfi said he did not anticipate being chosen to lead one of the country’s most strategic economic institutions, especially given his long public profile in political communication.
“For me, it was an exciting call made by the president,” he said, recalling the moment he was informed of his appointment.
His comments offer a rare personal glimpse into the circumstances surrounding his elevation to head GoldBod, an institution central to Ghana’s efforts to tighten oversight of the gold trade and improve foreign exchange inflows.
Mahama is praised as a mentor and father figure.
Mr Gyamfi said his relationship with President John Dramani Mahama extends beyond politics, describing the President as someone who has played an influential role in his growth over the years.
“The president, to some of us, as a father figure, is not just a flagbearer. He’s not just our President, but somebody that I’ve enjoyed the father-son relationship with for some time now.” - Sammy Gyamfi
He also praised President Mahama’s leadership and foresight, suggesting that the appointment reflected a level of confidence that went beyond what many expected.
According to him, he had even assumed that any future role in government would likely be connected to communications or political strategy rather than the gold and mining sector. “So what he may see in you, you may not even have seen in yourself,” he said.
Mr Gyamfi acknowledged that many people within and outside his party may have been surprised by the appointment, but said the President’s decision showed belief in his broader capabilities.
“Maybe many never expected that, upon winning power, I would find myself where I am. I’m sure many have predicted that I may have landed a communication-related job.
“But the president, I think, saw something in me that many had not noticed at the time, and he decided to give me this opportunity." - Sammy Gyamfi
He described the appointment as a “rare privilege,” stressing that there were many qualified individuals who could have been considered for the role.
Gold is central to the government’s reset agenda.
Beyond the personal significance of the appointment, Mr Gyamfi said his focus remains fixed on delivering results in a sector he described as crucial to Ghana’s economic transformation.
“Gold is very essential to the reset agenda of the President,” he stated, underscoring the strategic importance of the mineral to the government’s broader recovery and reform programme.
He said the administration is determined to address persistent weaknesses in the sector, including smuggling, leakages, and the low repatriation of foreign exchange earnings.
According to him, the long-term objective is to ensure that Ghanaians derive greater value from the country’s gold resources, not only through extraction but also through stronger control of trade and export proceeds.
Mr Gyamfi also highlighted his working relationship with Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, describing him as “like a brother” as they collaborate to implement the government’s plans for the sector.
Commitment to justify the trust
Despite the weight of expectations, the GoldBod CEO said he approaches the role with gratitude and a sense of duty.
“So for me to have been given the opportunity was a rare privilege for which I am forever grateful to the president,” he said.
He added that his daily motivation is rooted in proving worthy of the confidence placed in him.
“And every day when I wake up, my prayer is to work hard to justify the confidence he reposed in me and not to let him down.” - Sammy Gyamfi
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