National Chairman hopeful of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has apologised to Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, over comments he made during a discussion on Channel One TV.
Mr Vanderpuye came under criticism from some NDC members after saying he would have taken a different approach in responding to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, August 19.
Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, Mr Vanderpuye acknowledged Mr Gyamfi’s communication skills but said his own years of political experience would have influenced him to adopt a different tone.
He explained that he would have been more measured, particularly because the exchange was taking place on a public platform before a national audience.
His remarks, however, drew criticism from sections of the NDC, with some party members accusing him of appearing to side with Mr Afenyo-Markin and failing to show solidarity with Mr Gyamfi amid the opposition’s criticism of GoldBod.
In a statement issued later on Thursday, Mr Vanderpuye apologised and clarified that his comments were not meant to undermine Mr Gyamfi or support the attacks against him and GoldBod.
“I wish to sincerely apologise for my comments during my presentation on Channel One TV this morning. Having had the opportunity to listen carefully to myself and reflect on the discussion, I acknowledge that I did not communicate my intended position in the manner I should have. I take full responsibility for that,” he said.
Mr Vanderpuye said his intention was to defend the work being done by GoldBod and Mr Gyamfi, but admitted that his comments may have created a different impression.
“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.
He also offered a direct apology to Mr Gyamfi, describing him as a committed NDC member who has served the party with dedication and courage.
“Whatever observations I may have had should never have been expressed in a manner capable of being interpreted as validating the attacks of our political opponents against him,” he added.
Mr Vanderpuye further apologised to the NDC leadership, members and grassroots supporters who felt disappointed or offended by his comments.
He said party members expect leaders and those seeking leadership positions to demonstrate solidarity and sound judgement, especially when the party and its appointees are facing political attacks.
Reaffirming his commitment to the NDC, Mr Vanderpuye said his loyalty to the party remains firm.
“The NDC is my political home, and my loyalty and commitment to its cause remain unwavering,” he said.
The controversy follows claims by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin concerning an alleged US$1.7 billion loss associated with the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP).
Mr Afenyo-Markin has questioned aspects of the government’s management of the gold sector and raised concerns about the financial implications of the programme.
Mr Gyamfi has rejected the criticisms and defended GoldBod’s operations and the government’s policies.
The exchange became particularly heated during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, August 19, when the GoldBod CEO responded strongly to the Minority Leader’s claims.
In his response, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo-Markin as a “noisemaker” and accused him of having “bastardised and depraved” the office of the Minority Leader.
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Read the full statement below:
