Vanderpuye hints at replacing Asiedu Nketiah as NDC chairman

The former Minister of Youth and Sports and current National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has stated that he will step down from his role to pursue the National Chairmanship of the governing National Democratic Congress if the current chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, chooses not to seek re-election.

Speaking in an interview on Citi FM on June 11, 2026, Vanderpuye expressed confidence in his experience and qualifications to lead the party but noted that if Asiedu Nketiah decides to seek re-election as the national chairman, he would not challenge him, describing him as a senior colleague and respected figure.

“Well, I have made it clear that in case he [Johnson Asiedu Nketiah] decides to contest the National Chairmanship again, I wouldn’t want to contest him because he’s my senior brother.

"We started together in Sunyani; he’s one of the people that I respect so much and so I wouldn’t want to contest him if he decides to contest. But if he’s not contesting, I’m ready to offer myself,” he said.

Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye added that his long history in the NDC shows he is well prepared for the role.

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“I was the youth organiser of the Democratic Youth League of Ghana, the Future Leaders Organisation. I’ve always been part of this. I’m also a foundation member of the party,” he said.

He also recounted his early political involvement, noting that he served as a ward secretary during the formation of the NDC in 1992 while working at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.

“In 1992, when the party was being formed, I became a ward secretary. Even though I was working at that time at GBC, I offered myself to be a ward secretary in Koloakum Ward,” he said.

He further pointed to his wider political experience, including roles as a parliamentary aspirant, deputy minister, cabinet minister, and campaign official in previous NDC administrations.

“I was a parliamentary aspirant as far back as 1996. Former deputy minister for trade, former deputy local government minister, former minister for youth and sports, director of operations for President Mills’ campaign, and officer at the presidency in those days.

"So, I think I have what it takes to lead the party if our current national chairman so decides that he wouldn’t contest again,” he added.

On whether he would leave his current position if he enters the race, he confirmed he would resign.

“Yes, because I think this party has given me so much. I want to give back to the party. Yes, I’ve been, you see, this party has given me an opportunity,” he said.

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