National Chairman aspirant of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has apologised to GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi over comments he made during a television discussion concerning the ongoing political debate over the Ghana Gold Board’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP).
Mr Vanderpuye came under criticism from sections of the NDC after appearing on a media platform on Thursday, August 20, where he suggested that he would have adopted a different tone in responding to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin during the Government Accountability Series addressed by Sammy Gyamfi on Wednesday, August 19.
During the GoldBod presentation, Sammy Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo-Markin as a “noisemaker” and accused him of having “bastardised and depraved” the office of the Minority Leader over claims concerning an alleged US$1.7 billion loss associated with the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.
Speaking on the programme, Nii Lante Vanderpuye acknowledged Sammy Gyamfi as a good communicator but said his own years of political communication experience would have led him to use a different approach.
He explained that because the exchange was taking place on a public platform and was being watched by Ghanaians, he would have been more measured in his choice of words.
His comments, however, triggered criticism from some NDC supporters, who accused him of failing to demonstrate solidarity with Sammy Gyamfi at a time when the GoldBod CEO was facing attacks from the opposition.
Some party members also interpreted his remarks as appearing to validate aspects of Afenyo-Markin’s criticism of GoldBod.
Vanderpuye Apologises
In a statement issued later on Thursday, Mr Vanderpuye apologised to Sammy Gyamfi and the wider NDC community, admitting that he had failed to communicate his intended position properly.
«“I wish to sincerely apologise for my comments during my presentation on Channel One 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.»
Mr Vanderpuye clarified that his intention was never to undermine Sammy Gyamfi or support the opposition’s criticisms of GoldBod.
He said his objective was to defend the work being done by GoldBod and the efforts of its Chief Executive Officer, but acknowledged that the manner in which he expressed his views created a different impression.
«“It was never my intention to undermine or condemn our comrade, Sammy Gyamfi, or to lend support to the attacks being directed at him and the GoldBod by the opposition,” he stated.»
He also offered a direct apology to Sammy Gyamfi, describing him as a committed member of the NDC who has served the party with courage and dedication.
According to Vanderpuye, whatever reservations or observations he may have had should not have been expressed in a way that could be interpreted as supporting the arguments of the party’s political opponents.
Apology to NDC Grassroots
The NDC National Chairman aspirant further apologised to the party’s leadership, members and grassroots supporters who felt disappointed or hurt by his comments.
He acknowledged that party members expect leaders and individuals seeking leadership positions to demonstrate solidarity, sound judgement and loyalty, particularly when the party’s government and its appointees are under political attack.
Mr Vanderpuye’s apology is expected to help ease tensions within the NDC following the controversy, while reaffirming his support for Sammy Gyamfi and the work of GoldBod.
The controversy comes at a time when the management of Ghana’s gold resources and the financial implications of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme have become a major point of political debate between the governing NDC and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Story By Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah
Ahotoronline, Accra.