CEO of Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) Sammy Gyamfi has been honoured with the historic Suma Adinkra Sword, the highest distinction bestowed by the Suma Traditional Council of the Gyaman Kingdom.

The prestigious award — instituted around 470 years ago to celebrate individuals of exceptional strength and character — was presented by the Paramount Chief of the Suma Traditional Area, Odeneho Dr Affram Brempong III, to Mr Gyamfi ESQ.

Upon assuming the throne in 2014, Odeneho Dr Brempong III reformed the ancient honour to recognise modern Ghanaian personalities who demonstrateD outstanding leadership and contributeD meaningfully to national development.

Presenting the Afana sword, the paramount chief praised Mr Gyamfi for his leadership at the GOLDBOD, noting that his work had contributed to stabilising Ghana’s exchange rate performance.

He described Gyamfi as a personality who embodied the qualities the revered award sought to highlight, citing his “leadership and courage”.

The chief urged the GOLDBOD CEO to remain steadfast and vigilant, adding that the recognition should motivate him to continue advancing national progress.

In his remarks, Mr Gyamfi expressed deep gratitude to the Suma Traditional Council and dedicated the award to his team at the GOLDBOD.

“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 recognised four distinguished personalities, including Minister for Finance Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Dr Johnson Asiamah. 

Historically, the Suma Adinkra Sword has been presented to notable national figures such as former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor, and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as well as current President John Dramani Mahama.

The Suma Traditional Area, located in the Gyaman North District of the Bono Region, forms a significant part of the ancient Gyaman Kingdom which covered parts of modern Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire. Oral history traces the origins of the Suma people to Akwamu-Awawawenesuo, from where they migrated with the Dormaa people before settling at their current location.