Odeneho Dr. Affram Brempong III presenting the sword to Sammy Gyamfi (right)
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi has been awarded the prestigious Suma Adinkra Sword, the highest honour bestowed by the Suma Traditional Council of the Gyaman Kingdom.
The award was presented by the Paramount Chief of the Suma Traditional Area, Odeneho Dr. Affram Brempong III.
The centuries-old honour, established approximately 470 years ago, was originally used to celebrate men of exceptional strength.
However, since ascending the throne in 2014, Odeneho Dr. Affram Brempong III has reformed the award to recognise Ghanaians who demonstrate outstanding leadership and service to the nation.
Presenting the symbolic sword, locally known as the Afana, the Paramount Chief commended Mr. Gyamfi for his leadership at the Ghana Gold Board, noting that his efforts have contributed to the stability of Ghana’s exchange rate. He praised Mr. Gyamfi’s “leadership and courage,” describing him as a personality who embodies the virtues the award seeks to honour.
The Paramount Chief encouraged the GoldBod CEO to remain steadfast, patient, and vigilant in his duties, adding that the recognition should inspire him to continue contributing to national development.
In his remarks, Mr. Gyamfi expressed gratitude to the Suma Traditional Council and dedicated the honour to his team at the Ghana Gold Board.
“This award is for my team at GoldBod, and I know it will urge us to do more for the betterment of our beloved country,” he said.
This year, the Suma Traditional Council honoured four distinguished personalities. Other recipients of the highest award included the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama.
The award has in previous years been conferred on former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as well as the current President, John Dramani Mahama.
The Suma Traditional Area, located in the Gyaman North District of the Bono Region, forms an integral part of the historic Gyaman Kingdom.
Oral tradition traces the origins of the Suma people to Akwamu-Awanweneso, from where they migrated alongside the Dormaa people before settling in their present location.
