Aspiring National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman and former National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has apologised to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, over comments he made during a discussion on the state-owned gold-buying company.

This comes after his presentation during a discussion on the alleged losses incurred by GoldBod and matters surrounding the gold programme.

In a formal statement dated Thursday, August 20, Mr Nii Lantey noted that he had no intention of joining the opposition in attacking Sammy Gyamfi and his work.

“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.

“Let me state clearly and without ambiguity that 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 GoldBod by the opposition,” parts of the statement read.

He affirmed his loyalty to the NDC, saying his “record” and “convictions” would not permit him to knowingly strengthen the hands of the party’s political opponents against one of its own.

He added that his intention during the discussion was to defend the work of GoldBod and the efforts of Sammy Gyamfi.

According to him, however, his presentation created a completely different impression, for which he apologised.

Praises Sammy Gyamfi’s commitment to the party

Nii Lantey Vanderpuye said his comments should not have been expressed in a manner that could be interpreted as endorsing attacks against the GoldBod CEO.

“I particularly apologise to Sammy Gyamfi. He is a dedicated member of our party who has served the NDC with courage and commitment over the years, and he deserves the support of all of us as he carries out one of the most important national responsibilities entrusted to him.

"Whatever observations I may have had should never have been expressed in a manner capable of being interpreted as validating the attacks of our political opponents against him,” he added.

Apology to party leadership, grassroots

The former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Odododiodio Constituency also apologised to the party for his comments, stressing that his commitment to the NDC, its supporters and members remains unwavering.

“I also apologise to the leadership, members and, particularly, the grassroots of our great party who were disappointed or hurt by my comments.

“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. The NDC is my political home, and my loyalty and commitment to its cause remain unwavering,” he added.