I didn’t intend to condemn or undermine Sammy Gyamfi – Vanderpuye apologises

Vanderpuye came under heavy criticism from some members of the NDC after suggesting that he would have used a different tone in responding to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin during the Government Accountability Series addressed by the GoldBod CEO on Wednesday, August 19.

Sammy Gyamfi had described Afenyo-Markin as a “noisemaker” and accused him of having “bastardised and depraved” the office of the Minority Leader over claims concerning an alleged $1.7 billion loss associated with the Ghana Gold Board’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.

Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Thursday, August 20, Nii Lante Vanderpuye said Sammy Gyamfi was a good communicator but lacked the level of political communication experience he had acquired over the years.

He said he would have communicated differently and adopted a different tone, particularly because the exchange was taking place on a public platform and was being watched by Ghanaians.

His comments, however, attracted criticism from sections of the NDC, with some accusing him of appearing to defend Afenyo-Markin and failing to show solidarity with Sammy Gyamfi amid opposition attacks on GoldBod.

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 20, Mr Vanderpuye apologised and clarified that his comments were not intended to undermine Sammy Gyamfi or support attacks against him and GoldBod.

“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.

Vanderpuye stressed that his intention was to defend the work of GoldBod and the efforts of Sammy Gyamfi, but acknowledged that he expressed himself in a manner that 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 said.

He further apologised directly to Sammy Gyamfi, describing him as a dedicated NDC member who has served the party with courage and commitment.

“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.

The former National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme also apologised to the NDC leadership, members and grassroots who felt disappointed or hurt by his comments.

He said party members expected leaders and those aspiring to leadership positions to demonstrate solidarity, sound judgement and loyalty, particularly when the party and its appointees were facing political attacks.

Vanderpuye reaffirmed his commitment to the NDC, saying his loyalty to the party remained unwavering.

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

Sammy Gyamfi’s comments followed claims by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin that the GoldBod Chief Executive Officer could face prosecution over an alleged GH¢1.7 billion loss associated with the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP).

Afenyo-Markin has criticised aspects of the government’s management of the gold sector and raised concerns about the financial implications of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.

Gyamfi, however, has defended the government’s policies and the operations of GoldBod, rejecting the Minority Leader’s criticisms.

The disagreement escalated during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, August 19, when Gyamfi responded sharply to Afenyo-Markin’s claims.

In his response, the GoldBod CEO described the Minority Leader as a “noisemaker” and accused him of having “bastardised and depraved” the office of the Minority Leader.