Vanderpuye: I’ll Quit DRIP Job to Run for NDC Chair If Asiedu Nketia Bows Out

Hon Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye says he will resign as National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) to contest for National Chairman of the NDC, but only if Johnson Asiedu Nketia decides not to run again.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, June 11, 2026, Vanderpuye made it clear he won’t challenge the current chairman out of respect.

“I’ve made it clear that if he decides to contest again, I wouldn’t contest him. He’s my senior brother. We started together in Sunyani and I respect him so much,” he said. “But if he’s not contesting, I’m ready to offer myself.”

The former Youth and Sports Minister pointed to his long history in the party as proof he’s qualified. He described himself as a foundation member of the NDC, recalling that he served as ward secretary for Koloakum Ward in 1992 while working at GBC.

“I was the youth organiser of the Democratic Youth League of Ghana. I’ve always been part of this,” he noted.

Vanderpuye also listed his political track record: parliamentary aspirant in 1996, former deputy minister for trade and local government, former minister for youth and sports, director of operations for President Mills’ campaign, and officer at the presidency.

“So I think I have what it takes to lead the party if our current national chairman decides not to contest again,” he said.

On whether he would leave his DRIP role to enter the race, he was direct: “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.”