NDC National Chairman aspirant Nii Lante Vanderpuye has apologised to Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) CEO Sammy Gyamfi following remarks he made about Mr Gyamfi’s response to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

Mr Vanderpuye made the apology after his comments during an interview on Channel One TV on Thursday, August 20, sparked criticism from some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

During the interview, he said although Mr Gyamfi was an effective communicator, his response to Mr Afenyo-Markin could have been delivered differently, particularly given the public nature of the dispute.

He said his experience in political communication would have led him to adopt a more measured approach in addressing the Minority Leader.

The remarks were subsequently interpreted by some NDC supporters as criticism of Mr Gyamfi at a time when the GoldBod CEO was facing attacks from the opposition over the financial performance of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.

In a statement issued later on Thursday, Mr Vanderpuye acknowledged that he had not expressed his position appropriately and took responsibility for the controversy.

He said his intention was not to undermine Mr Gyamfi or lend support to the opposition’s criticism of him and GoldBod.

Mr Vanderpuye also offered a direct apology to the GoldBod CEO, describing him as a committed NDC member who had served the party with courage.

He said any concerns he had about Mr Gyamfi’s communication should not have been expressed in a way that could be construed as endorsing attacks against him.

The NDC chairman aspirant further apologised to the party’s leadership, members and grassroots supporters who felt disappointed by his comments.

He stressed that party leaders and those seeking leadership positions had a responsibility to demonstrate unity and solidarity, particularly when government appointees were under political pressure.

Mr Vanderpuye reaffirmed his allegiance to the NDC, describing the party as his political home and insisting that his commitment to its cause remained firm.

His comments followed a heated exchange between Mr Gyamfi and Mr Afenyo-Markin over allegations surrounding the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP).

The Minority Leader has raised concerns about an alleged GH¢1.7 billion loss linked to the programme, while Mr Gyamfi has rejected the claims and challenged Mr Afenyo-Markin to invite him to Parliament to account for GoldBod’s operations.

During the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, August 19, Mr Gyamfi responded sharply to the Minority Leader, describing him as a “noisemaker” and accusing him of undermining the office he occupies.

“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,” 

“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,” 

“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,”

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