In a swift move to contain a growing internal political firestorm, Former Sports Minister and former three-term Member of Parliament for Odododiodio Constituency and stalwart of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has issued a formal, “unreserved apology” to the party’s National Communications Officer and CEO of Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and the rank and file of the party.
Background of apology
The apology follows a morning show appearance on Citi TV on August 20, 2026, where Mr. Vanderpuye’s comments were widely interpreted as undermining Gyamfi and providing ammunition to political opponents.
This comes on the back of commentaries made by the CEO of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi during his turn at the Government Accountability Series media conference where he had mounted a strong defence of GoldBod over claims of losses amounting to a tune of GH¢22bn.
Sammy Gyamfi had said he was waiting for the Public Accounts Committee to invite him over allegations of the supposed GoldBod’s losses while describing the reaction of the Minority led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin as “effusions in a palm wine bar”.
“An Error of Judgment”
In a signed statement released late Thursday, Vanderpuye admitted that after reflecting on his presentation, he realized his delivery failed to match his intentions.
“I acknowledge that I did not communicate my intended position in the manner I should have,” Vanderpuye stated. “For that error of judgment and communication, I am sincerely sorry.”
The veteran politician clarified that his original goal was to defend the work of Sammy Gyamfi and the “GoldBod” institution against ongoing opposition propaganda. However, he conceded that his remarks created a “completely different impression,” inadvertently strengthening the hands of the NDC’s political rivals.
Solidarity with Sammy Gyamfi
Directing a specific portion of his statement to Sammy Gyamfi, Vanderpuye underscored Gyamfi’s “courage and commitment” to the party. He emphasized that no internal observation should ever be voiced in a way that validates attacks from the opposition.
“He deserves the support of all of us as he carries out one of the most important national responsibilities entrusted to him,” Vanderpuye noted, seeking to repair any perceived rift between two of the party’s most vocal figures.
Calming the Grassroots
The controversy appears to have struck a chord with the NDC’s base, prompting Vanderpuye to address the party’s grassroots directly. Acknowledging their “disappointment and hurt,” he noted that in the current political climate, party members rightly expect their leaders to demonstrate “solidarity, sound judgment, and loyalty.”
Vanderpuye concluded the release by reaffirming his lifelong dedication to the NDC, describing the party as his “political home” and his loyalty as “absolute and unwavering.”
The swiftness of this apology suggests a concerted effort by the NDC to maintain a united front as political tensions rise ahead of the upcoming electoral season. Whether this statement will be enough to fully quell the concerns of the party’s vocal grassroots remains to be seen.
By: Randy Sekyi Snr (Freelance Journalist)
