National Coordinator of the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP), Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has advised former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum to tread carefully as he campaigns for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearership.
Dr. Adutwum, who officially announced his intention to contest the position on June 18, 2025, declared his readiness to lead the party into the next general election. In a Facebook post, he stated, “With humility, conviction, and a resolute heart, I, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, declare my intent to run for the Flagbearership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), should nominations be officially opened by the party.”
However, appearing on Channel One TV, Mr. Vanderpuye noted that while Dr. Adutwum’s calm disposition and decision to run are commendable, he should not hinge his candidacy solely on his record at the Ministry of Education.
“It is good that Adutwum wants to contest the flagbearership. He has a very calm demeanour. But I don’t want him to premise his qualification on his performance at the Ministry of Education,” Vanderpuye cautioned.
He acknowledged that Dr. Adutwum’s tenure had its merits but also came with significant shortcomings.
“His performance is 50-50. There are things he did right, but there are also a lot of things he did wrong, which won’t give him the credibility he is seeking.”
Vanderpuye encouraged a more grounded and relatable campaign style that would connect better with party delegates and the broader electorate.
“He should go out there as Adutwum, a servant of this country. ‘I have served. I may not have achieved a perfect score, but I have served in humility and respect.’ Then people will assess him on that basis.”
He further warned that negative public perceptions of Dr. Adutwum’s tenure as minister could become a political liability.
“If people have issues about your tenure as minister, they will use that to punish you.”
The NPP is expected to officially open nominations for the flagbearer race ahead of the party’s internal elections scheduled for January 2026.