Former DRIP Coordinator, Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has issued an apology to GoldBod CEO, Sammy Gyamfi and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over comments he made during a media discussion. He acknowledged that his remarks created an impression that differed from his intended position and accepted responsibility for the manner in which he communicated his views.
The former DRIP Coordinator explained that his comments were never intended to undermine Mr Gyamfi or support criticisms directed at him and the GoldBod. In his view, his political record and commitment to the NDC has been inconsistent with any attempt to strengthen the position of the opposition against a party member.
Mr Vanderpuye clarified that his intention during the discussion was to defend the work of GoldBod and the efforts of Sammy Gyamfi. His response to sustained attacks surrounding the matter, however, resulted in an expression that created a different interpretation.
The apology therefore focuses on both the substance of his position and the manner in which it was communicated. He emphasised that his action was “an error of judgement and communication”, adding that he was sincerely sorry for the impression created.
Particular attention was given to Sammy Gyamfi, whom the former DRIP Coordinator described as, “a committed member of the NDC who has served the party with courage.” The apology recognised the national responsibility entrusted to the GoldBod Chief Executive and the importance of providing him with support as he performs that role.
Vanderpuye also clarified that any observations he may have held should have been communicated in a manner that could not be interpreted as validating attacks from political opponents. This distinction is a central part of his attempt to correct the impression created by his earlier remarks.
His position placed emphasis on solidarity within the party at a time when party members and institutions associated with the NDC face political criticism. The apology consequently seeks to separate his intended defence of GoldBod from the interpretation that his comments amounted to criticism of its leadership.
Vanderpuye Reaffirms Loyalty To NDC And Party Grassroots
The former DRIP Coordinator also extended his apology beyond Mr Gyamfi to members of the party. He acknowledged that his comments affected people who expected senior members and political figures associated with the NDC to exercise greater care when discussing matters involving fellow party members.
He recognised that party members expect those entrusted with leadership responsibilities to demonstrate solidarity and sound judgement, particularly when colleagues and institutions associated with the party come under political attack. Such expectations, in his view, place an added responsibility on senior figures to consider how their public comments may affect the party’s collective position.
The former DRIP Coordinator also placed his apology within the context of his long political association with the NDC. He pointed to years of involvement with the party through difficult personal and political circumstances as evidence of a commitment that extends beyond the immediate controversy.
The history, he suggested, is important in understanding his position following the backlash over his comments. His decision to issue the apology is therefore an effort to clarify his loyalty and reaffirm his relationship with the party.
Vanderpuye further described the NDC as his political home. He reaffirmed that his commitment to the party and its objectives remains firm despite the controversy surrounding his earlier remarks.
The statement seeks to reassure the party’s grassroots that his comments should not be interpreted as a departure from the NDC’’ collective interests. Instead, the former DRIP Coordinator presented the apology as recognition that his communication fell short of the standard expected from someone with his political background.
The emphasis on party unity also extended to the responsibility of members when public disagreements emerge. His position suggested that criticism or observations should be handled with sufficient care to avoid creating openings that could be exploited by political opponents.
The former DRIP Coordinator ultimately reaffirmed his political allegiance and commitment to the NDC. He stressed that his loyalty to the party and its cause remains unwavering, bringing his statement back to the central message of solidarity with the party and its members.
The apology follows former DRIP Coordinator Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye’s criticism of Sammy Gyamfi’s communication during the recent GoldBod accountability debate. Mr Vanderpuye argued that Gyamfi’s response to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, including his reference to the comments as “reckless” and describing the Minority Leader’s campaign against the institution as a smear driven by “sophistry and political blackmail in pursuit of selfish ends,” were inappropriate for a public accountability discussion.
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