The National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has announced that he will resign from his position to contest the National Chairmanship of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), should the current chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, decide not to seek re-election.
Speaking in an interview on Eyewitness News on Thursday, June 11, 2026, Mr. Vanderpuye said he believes he has the experience and credentials to lead the party.
“Well, I have made it clear that in case he [Johnson Asiedu Nketia] decides to contest the National Chairmanship again, I wouldn’t want to contest him because he’s my senior brother.
“We started together in Sunyani; he’s one of the people that I respect so much, and so I wouldn’t want to contest him if he decides to contest. But if he’s not contesting, I’m ready to offer myself,” he said.
The former Minister for Youth and Sports said his long-standing involvement in the NDC demonstrates his readiness for the position.
“I was the youth organiser of the Democratic Youth League of Ghana, the Future Leaders Organisation. I’ve always been part of this. I’m also a foundation member of the party,” he said.
Mr. Vanderpuye traced his political journey within the party, noting that he served as a ward secretary during the formation of the NDC in 1992 while working at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).
“In 1992, when the party was being formed, I became a ward secretary. Even though I was working at that time at GBC, I offered myself to be a ward secretary in Koloakum Ward,” he said.
He also highlighted his experience as a parliamentary aspirant, deputy minister, cabinet minister, and campaign official in previous NDC administrations.
“I was a parliamentary aspirant as far back as 1996. Former deputy minister for trade, former deputy local government minister, former minister for youth and sports, director of operations for President Mills’ campaign, and officer at the presidency in those days.
“So I think I have what it takes to lead the party if our current national chairman so decides that he wouldn’t contest again,” he added.
Asked whether he would step down from his role as DRIP National Coordinator if he enters the race, Mr. Vanderpuye confirmed he would resign.
“Yes, because I think this party has given me so much. I want to give back to the party. Yes, I’ve been, you see, this party has given me an opportunity,” he said.
