Former Member of Parliament for Odododiodio, Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has rendered an unreserved apology to Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following comments he made during a television discussion on Citi TV.
In a statement dated August 20, 2026, Mr Vanderpuye said he had reflected on his presentation and acknowledged that he failed to communicate his intended position appropriately.
He accepted full responsibility for the comments and said they had created an impression that was contrary to what he intended to convey.
“I wish to sincerely apologise for my comments during my presentation on Citi 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.
According to the former MP, he never intended to undermine Mr Gyamfi or support criticisms being levelled against him and GoldBod by members of the opposition.
He stressed that his political record and commitment to the NDC would not allow him to knowingly strengthen the position of the party’s opponents against one of its members.
Mr Vanderpuye explained that his objective during the television discussion was, in fact, to defend the work of GoldBod and the efforts of its CEO.
However, he admitted that while responding to what he described as sustained propaganda and attacks surrounding the institution and its leadership, he expressed himself in a manner that gave a different impression.
He described the incident as an error of judgement and communication for which he was sincerely sorry.
“My intention during the discussion was to defend the work of GoldBod and the efforts of Sammy Gyamfi. Unfortunately, in reacting to the sustained propaganda and attacks surrounding the matter, I expressed myself in a way that created a completely different impression,” he explained.
Mr Vanderpuye consequently issued a specific apology to Mr Gyamfi, describing him as a committed member of the NDC who has served the party with courage over the years.
He said the GoldBod CEO deserves the support of party members as he undertakes what he described as one of the important national responsibilities entrusted to him.
The former legislator also apologised to the leadership, members and grassroots of the NDC who may have felt disappointed or hurt by his comments.
He acknowledged that party members expect their leaders and those seeking greater responsibility within the party to demonstrate solidarity, sound judgement and loyalty, particularly when party members and institutions associated with the government come under political attack.
“I also apologise to the leadership, members and, particularly, the grassroots of our great party who were disappointed or hurt by my comments. I understand their concerns,” he stated.
Mr Vanderpuye maintained that whatever reservations or observations he might have had about the matter should not have been communicated in a manner that could be interpreted as endorsing attacks against Mr Gyamfi by political opponents.
He further emphasised his long-standing commitment to the NDC, saying he had spent a significant part of his political career defending and fighting for the party, including during difficult personal and political periods.
The former MP used the apology to reaffirm his allegiance to the governing party, insisting that the controversy should not be interpreted as a departure from his political convictions.
He said his commitment to the NDC and its objectives remained firm.
“I have spent a significant part of my political life standing and fighting for the NDC, including through extremely difficult personal and political circumstances. My commitment to this party and its people remains absolute,” he said.
“The NDC is my political home, and my loyalty and commitment to its cause remain unwavering.”
The apology comes amid an ongoing political debate over the operations and performance of GoldBod, with the institution and its leadership facing scrutiny and criticism from opposition figures.
Mr Vanderpuye’s statement appears intended to clarify his position and distance himself from any interpretation that his comments were meant to weaken the NDC’s defence of GoldBod or its CEO.
