National Democratic Congress (NDC) national chairmanship aspirant Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has expressed confidence in securing victory in the party’s upcoming national executive elections, despite concerns that his earlier comments about Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi could undermine his campaign.
Speaking to Citi News during a visit to the Okaikwei South constituency on Sunday, October 25, Mr Vanderpuye maintained that he remained optimistic about his prospects of becoming the party’s next National Chairman.
He also praised party members for conducting their constituency executive elections peacefully, expressing hope that disagreements arising from the internal contests would be resolved amicably.
According to him, maintaining unity after the elections would be essential to strengthening the NDC and preparing the party for the 2028 general elections.
“This is my third constituency visit. I’ve been to Odododiodioo, I passed through Korley Klottey and I’m here, and so far everything is smooth. We show you a family atmosphere,” he said.
Mr Vanderpuye noted that the party’s electoral calendar would proceed with regional executive elections on November 14, followed by the national executive elections on December 19.
“Come November 14, we will have the regional elections, and then later, on December 19, we’ll have the national elections, which I believe I will make it as National Chairman,” he added.
His declaration comes amid debate over remarks he made during a Channel One TV discussion on August 20, when he criticised the language Mr Gyamfi used in responding to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin during the Government Accountability Series.
The controversy followed Mr Gyamfi’s description of the Minority Leader as a “noisemaker” and his accusation that Mr Afenyo Markin had “bastardised and depraved” the office he occupied.
The exchange occurred during a dispute over an alleged US$1.7 billion loss associated with GoldBod’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.
Mr Vanderpuye acknowledged Mr Gyamfi’s communication abilities but argued that he would have adopted a different approach when addressing the Minority Leader, particularly during a public engagement.
His intervention subsequently attracted attention within the governing party, with questions emerging about whether his criticism of the GoldBod chief executive could affect his standing among party delegates ahead of the national chairmanship contest.
Mr Vanderpuye later apologised to Mr Gyamfi and the NDC, clarifying that his comments were not intended to discredit the GoldBod chief executive or lend support to criticism directed at him.
Despite the apology, concerns about the possible electoral consequences of the episode resurfaced on Saturday, October 24, when Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, suggested that the controversy might have weakened Mr Vanderpuye’s chances in the race.
Mr Vanderpuye, however, has publicly maintained his confidence in winning the contest, while emphasising the importance of peace, reconciliation and collective responsibility as the NDC completes its internal elections.
The national chairmanship election is scheduled for December 19, following the regional contests, with the outcome expected to determine who leads the party’s national organisational structure as it prepares for the 2028 general elections.
