Nii Lante Vanderpuye (L) shared his views on what Sammy Gyamfi (R) told the Minority Leader
Aspiring National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has apologised to Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sammy Gyamfi, over comments he made during a television discussion concerning Gyamfi’s response to Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin.
In a press statement dated August 20, 2026, Nii Lante Vanderpuye said he had reflected on his remarks and acknowledged that he failed to communicate his intended position properly.
He said although his comments may have created the impression that he was criticising Sammy Gyamfi or supporting attacks against the GoldBod CEO, that was not his intention.
“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.
Vanderpuye stressed that he had no intention of undermining Sammy Gyamfi or strengthening the position of the opposition against the NDC government and one of its key appointees.
He explained that his actual intention during the discussion was to defend the work of GoldBod and the efforts of Sammy Gyamfi.
Afenyo-Markin vs Sammy Gyamfi: 'I would have handled it differently' - Nii Lante Vanderpuye
However, he admitted that his attempt to respond to what he described as sustained propaganda and attacks surrounding the issue resulted in him expressing himself in a manner that created a different impression.
The former Minister of Youth and Sports offered a direct apology to Sammy Gyamfi, describing him as a dedicated member of the NDC who had served the party with courage and commitment.
He said Sammy Gyamfi deserved the support of party members as he carried out what he described as one of the most important national responsibilities entrusted to him.
Vanderpuye also apologised to the leadership, members and grassroots of the NDC who may have been disappointed or hurt by his comments.
According to him, party members have legitimate expectations of leaders and individuals seeking higher positions within the party, particularly at a time when NDC members and institutions under their leadership face political attacks.
He acknowledged that such circumstances require solidarity, sound judgement and loyalty to the collective interests of the party.
The apology follows comments Vanderpuye made during a television discussion on August 20, where he said he would have handled Sammy Gyamfi’s response to Afenyo-Markin differently.
Speaking on Channel One TV, he said although individuals have different communication styles, he would not have used some of the words employed by Sammy Gyamfi in his address.
Vanderpuye described some of the GoldBod CEO’s remarks as harsh and cautioned public officials to be mindful of their language because their statements reach a much wider audience than the immediate person they are addressing.
He argued that anyone speaking on a public platform must recognise the broader implications of their words and exercise caution in how they respond to political disagreements.
— Nii Lantey Vanderpuye🇬🇭🦁 (@niilantevanpee) August 20, 2026
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