National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has disclosed that he is prepared to contest for the National Chairmanship of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), but only if the party’s current chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, decides not to seek re-election.
Speaking in an interview on Eyewitness News on Thursday, June 11, 2026, the former Youth and Sports Minister said he has no intention of challenging Asiedu Nketia out of respect for their long-standing relationship.
“I have made it clear that in case he 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 stated.
Mr. Vanderpuye said his extensive involvement in the NDC over the years has adequately prepared him for the party’s top administrative role.
According to him, his political journey began long before the formation of the NDC, having served as a youth organiser in the Democratic Youth League of Ghana and the Future Leaders Organisation.
“I’ve always been part of this. I’m also a foundation member of the party,” he said.
Recounting his contributions to the party, Mr. Vanderpuye noted that he served as a ward secretary during the establishment 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 explained.
The former Odododiodoo Member of Parliament further highlighted his experience in government and party organisation, citing his roles as a parliamentary aspirant, deputy minister, cabinet minister, campaign official, and presidential staffer.
“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,” he said.
He expressed confidence that his track record and years of service position him well to lead the NDC if the opportunity arises.
“So I think I have what it takes to lead the party if our current national chairman decides that he wouldn’t contest again,” he added.
Mr. Vanderpuye also indicated that he would step down from his current role as DRIP National Coordinator should he officially enter the race for the NDC National Chairmanship.
“Yes, because I think this party has given me so much. I want to give back to the party. This party has given me an opportunity,” he said.
