National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman hopeful, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has rendered an apology to Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, following remarks he made during a television discussion.
Mr Vanderpuye faced backlash from some members of the NDC after commenting on Mr Gyamfi’s response to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, Mr Vanderpuye praised Mr Gyamfi’s communication abilities but suggested that his own experience in politics would have led him to respond differently to the Minority Leader.
He said he would have adopted a more restrained approach, particularly because the exchange was taking place on a public platform before a national audience.
His comments subsequently sparked criticism among some NDC supporters, who accused him of appearing to endorse Mr Afenyo-Markin’s position and failing to adequately defend Mr Gyamfi amid the opposition’s criticism of GoldBod.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, August 20, Mr Vanderpuye expressed regret over his comments and explained that they were not intended to discredit Mr Gyamfi or support criticisms 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.
Mr Vanderpuye explained that his primary objective was to defend GoldBod and Mr Gyamfi, although he admitted that the manner in which he expressed his views may have conveyed a contrary 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 subsequently directed a personal apology to Mr Gyamfi, describing him as a dedicated NDC member who has served the party with commitment and courage.
“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 NDC National Chairman hopeful also apologised to the party’s leadership, members and grassroots supporters who may have been disappointed or offended by his remarks.
According to him, party members expect those in leadership and individuals seeking leadership positions to exhibit sound judgement and solidarity, especially when the NDC and its appointees come under political attack.
Reaffirming his allegiance to the party, Mr Vanderpuye stressed that his commitment to the NDC remains unchanged.
“The NDC is my political home, and my loyalty and commitment to its cause remain unwavering,” he said.
The controversy emerged amid a dispute over claims by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin concerning an alleged US$1.7 billion loss linked to the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP).
Mr Afenyo-Markin has raised questions about the government’s management of the gold sector and expressed concerns over the financial implications of the programme.
Mr Gyamfi, however, has rejected the criticisms and defended GoldBod’s operations as well as the government’s policies in the gold sector.
The disagreement intensified during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, August 19, when Mr Gyamfi mounted a strong response to the Minority Leader’s claims.
In his rebuttal, the GoldBod CEO described Mr Afenyo-Markin as a “noisemaker” and accused him of having “bastardised and depraved” the office of the Minority Leader.
