Former Sports Minister and NDC National Chairman hopeful Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has issued an unreserved apology to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Officer and Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) boss, Sammy Gyamfi, over comments he made during a presentation on Citi TV.
In a statement dated Thursday, August 20, the National Coordinator for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) said that after listening back carefully to himself, he acknowledged he did not communicate his intended position in the manner he should have and took full responsibility for the error.
“Let me state clearly and without ambiguity that it was never my intention to undermine or condemn our comrade, Sammy Gyamfi, or to lend support to the attacks being directed at him and the GoldBod by the opposition,” he said, insisting that his record, convictions, and commitment to the NDC would never permit him to knowingly strengthen the hands of the party’s political opponents against one of their own.
He explained that his intention during the Citi TV discussion had actually been to defend the work of GoldBod and the efforts of Sammy Gyamfi, but that in reacting to what he described as sustained propaganda and attacks surrounding the matter, he expressed himself in a way that created a completely different impression.
“For that error of judgement and communication, I am sincerely sorry,” he said.
The former Member of Parliament (MP) for Odododiodio singled out Sammy Gyamfi for a personal apology, describing him as a dedicated member of the NDC who has served the party with courage and commitment over the years and deserves the support of all party members as he carries out what he called “one of the most important national responsibilities” entrusted to him.
He also apologised to the leadership, members, and grassroots of the NDC who were disappointed or hurt by his comments, stressing that party members rightly expect leaders and those aspiring to greater responsibility to demonstrate solidarity, sound judgement, and loyalty to the party’s collective cause at a time when NDC comrades and the institutions they lead are facing what he described as politically motivated attacks.
Reaffirming his loyalty, Mr Vanderpuye said he has spent a significant part of his political life standing and fighting for the NDC, including through difficult personal and political circumstances, adding that the party remains his political home and his commitment to its cause “remains unwavering.”