The Former National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has argued that current criminal prosecutions should be assessed through the law and established judicial procedures instead of political sentiment.
Mr Vanderpuye indicated that the ongoing cases involving some members of the opposition should be viewed within the context of alleged breaches of the law. From his perspective, the central issue is whether those facing prosecution have infringed on legal provisions and whether due process is being followed.
His assessment comes amid strong political debate over the prosecution of individuals linked to the New Patriotic Party, with critics questioning the fairness and selectivity of some cases. The former coordinator, however, emphasised that the legal system provides avenues for anyone who considers a prosecution unfair to challenge it.
He pointed to the appellate structure as an important safeguard available to accused persons. According to him, the existence of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court gives litigants recognised avenues to seek further judicial review.
“The good thing for me is that people are not being persecuted for wrong reasons. People are being prosecuted for infringing on the law.”
Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye
Analysing the situation further, Mr Vanderpuye argued that public reactions to criminal cases can sometimes be influenced by personal loyalties. He recalled instances where members of society have shown sympathy towards individuals accused of criminal conduct, even when the allegations involve serious offences.
The former coordinator therefore urged political actors to distinguish between legitimate legal proceedings and partisan interpretations of those proceedings. In his view, opposition supporters who believe a case has been handled unfairly should use the legal mechanisms available to them.
Attention also turned to the performance of the Attorney General in recent cases. Mr Vanderpuye noted that the state prosecution has experienced both victories and setbacks, which he presented as part of the normal workings of the justice system.
“The Attorney General has lost some cases; he’s won others, and that’s the beauty of the game.”
Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye
Referencing the judicial process, the former coordinator further indicated that the cases before the courts should be allowed to proceed according to established procedures. He also pointed out that no prosecution should be treated as predetermined because the courts retain the authority to assess evidence and make their own decisions.
From Parliament to Party Leadership, Politician Maps New Political Path
The former National Coordinator also opened up about his decision to leave Parliament after three terms and his ambition to continue serving the National Democratic Congress in a different capacity.
Mr Vanderpuye explained that his decision was influenced by a long standing desire to explore different areas of public service. His career has moved through sports, broadcasting, teaching, political activism and public administration before his parliamentary journey.
The former MP recalled that he first entered politics after becoming convinced that public service could provide an avenue to improve the lives of people in his community. His political journey included unsuccessful attempts to become a parliamentary candidate in 1996 and 2000 before eventually entering Parliament in 2012.
His background, he explained, also shaped his commitment to public service. Growing up in difficult circumstances, he engaged in several forms of work including selling bofrot, kerosene and kebab while also undertaking casual labour and farming.
These experiences, according to Mr Vanderpuye, gave him a direct understanding of the difficulties faced by ordinary Ghanaians. He therefore views political office as an opportunity to use his education and experience to improve conditions within his community and contribute to national development.
His political involvement began in the early years of the NDC. He became involved with the Eagle Club before the group transitioned into the NDC, eventually rising through the party structure and entering Parliament in 2013.
Before entering politics, Mr Vanderpuye had also developed a career in broadcasting and sports management. He later taught at the Ghana Institute of Journalism, adding education and communication to the range of professional experiences that shaped his public career.
His decision to leave Parliament was also linked to a personal commitment to serve for only three terms. He explained that he had informed his family and associates from the beginning that he intended to spend no more than 12 years in Parliament.
The former MP now sees party service as the next stage of his political journey. He explained that the NDC provided the platform through which he reached ministerial office and gained wider national recognition.
Against this backdrop, his interest in the party’s national chairmanship has emerged as a possible avenue for service. Mr Vanderpuye believes his experience, political knowledge and understanding of the party qualify him to compete for the position.
He also argued that the chairmanship requires a dynamic approach to party organisation. Referencing Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, popularly known as General Mosquito, he acknowledged the contribution of the current party leadership while indicating that new ideas could shape the institution’s future.
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