Mr Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has resigned from his position as the National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) to pursue a national executive role within the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a statement announcing his decision, Mr Vanderpuye said he had taken the step after careful consideration and with a continued commitment to the governing party and President John Dramani Mahama’s broader vision for national development.
His resignation comes at a time when the NDC is preparing for its internal elections, with strict guidelines requiring certain categories of government appointees seeking party positions to vacate their offices within specified timelines.
According to Mr Vanderpuye, his decision reflects a desire to continue serving both the party and the country in a different capacity. “After careful reflection, I have taken the decision to step down from my position as National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme,” he stated.
He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the programme, describing his tenure as both an honour and a privilege. “It has been a great honour and privilege to serve His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana in this role,” he said.
Commitment to DRIP’s Development Agenda
Mr Vanderpuye used the statement to highlight his gratitude for the confidence placed in him throughout his period of service. He noted that the role had allowed him to contribute to an initiative aimed at improving local infrastructure and enhancing living conditions in communities across the country.
The District Road Improvement Programme was introduced to address road infrastructure challenges at the local level by equipping Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies with machinery and resources to undertake road maintenance and rehabilitation works.
The initiative has been presented as part of broader efforts to improve accessibility within communities, support economic activities and strengthen local development.
Mr Vanderpuye indicated that he was leaving office with a sense of fulfilment regarding the progress made under the programme. “I leave office with immense gratitude, proud of the work we have accomplished together and optimistic about the future of DRIP,” he said.
Pursuit of National Executive Position
The former coordinator explained that his resignation was motivated by his intention to contest for a national executive position within the NDC. He described the decision as part of his ongoing commitment to public service and to the strengthening of democratic institutions within the party.
“My resignation is to enable me to pursue a National Executive position within our great party, the National Democratic Congress. This decision is driven by my desire to continue serving our party and country in a different capacity, while contributing to the strengthening of our democratic traditions and institutions.”
Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, Former National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP)
Although Mr Vanderpuye did not specify the exact position he intends to contest, his resignation aligns with the timelines established by the NDC for aspirants seeking various executive offices. The move signals the beginning of what could become an active contest ahead of the party’s national internal elections.
NDC Rules on Appointees Seeking Office
The resignation also reflects compliance with the NDC’s internal electoral guidelines for 2026. The party has directed that government and public office appointees who intend to contest executive positions must resign from their offices at least six clear months before filing nominations.
The policy, announced by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, is intended to promote fairness and prevent individuals from using the influence associated with public office to gain an advantage over other contestants.
The directive applies to full time appointees, including ministers, deputy ministers, chief executive officers, managing directors, deputy chief executive officers and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives.
Board chairpersons and board members of state-owned enterprises and public corporations have been exempted from the requirement because they are not considered full-time office holders.
Under the election timetable, appointees seeking constituency level positions were expected to resign by April 2026, while those pursuing regional positions were required to step down by May 2026. Aspirants seeking national executive positions are expected to resign by June 2026.
Mr Vanderpuye’s resignation, therefore, places him within the framework established by the party ahead of the national contest.
Continued Support for Mahama Administration
Despite stepping away from his government role, Mr Vanderpuye stressed that his commitment to President Mahama and the NDC remains unchanged. He pledged continued support for the administration’s agenda and expressed confidence in the future of both the party and the DRIP initiative.
“I remain fully committed to the vision of President Mahama, the success of his administration, and the ideals of the NDC,” he stated. His remarks suggest that the transition from government appointee to party executive aspirant is intended to complement rather than diminish his support for the administration’s objectives.
As preparations intensify for the NDC’s internal elections, Mr Vanderpuye’s decision marks one of the notable resignations arising from the party’s enforcement of its electoral guidelines.
For now, attention is likely to shift toward the specific role he intends to pursue and the impact his experience in public service may have on the upcoming national executive race.
Concluding his statement, Mr Vanderpuye offered a message of national service and optimism: “May God continue to bless Ghana and guide us all in our collective service to the nation.”
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