Former Odododiodio Member of Parliament and Minister of Youth and Sports, Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, says he has the charisma and capacity to sustain the momentum built by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) under its outgoing National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.
He said the party must not allow a change in leadership to derail the gains made under Mr Asiedu Nketiah, popularly known as General Mosquito, particularly the momentum that propelled the NDC to electoral victory.
Mr Vanderpuye made the assertion in an interview after he met members of the Majority Caucus in Parliament on Thursday, November 5, 2026, as part of consultations ahead of his bid to contest the NDC national chairmanship.
The Majority Leader and the Majority Chief Whip were among those present at the meeting.
He said the next National Chairman must possess the charisma and leadership qualities to consolidate the foundation laid by Mr Asiedu Nketiah and take the party forward.
“Transitions should not end the momentum that is built. The current National Chairman, Honourable Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, General Mosquito, built a very strong momentum leading up to the elections and the victory that came out of it. We need to sustain that momentum. We don’t have to dip it,” he said.
Mr Vanderpuye expressed confidence in his ability to build on the achievements of the current chairman, insisting that he had the necessary qualities to maintain the party’s momentum.
“You need somebody who can build up from where Asiedu Nketiah is leaving off, and I think I have that capacity to build on what General Mosquito has laid,” he said.
Beyond sustaining the party’s electoral momentum, he said his ambition was also driven by the need to restore confidence in party leadership and strengthen its relationship with the grassroots.
Describing himself as a grassroots politician who rose through the ranks, Mr Vanderpuye said he understood the concerns of party members who felt disconnected from the leadership.
He pledged to work with a team to restore hope among members, improve the attitude and conduct of party leaders, and ensure that the welfare and concerns of grassroots supporters received greater attention.
He said his experience as a grassroots party member, former MP, former Minister of Youth and Sports, and former Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development and Trade and Industry would inform his efforts to strengthen the party’s internal structures and make it more responsive to its members.
Mr Vanderpuye explained that the meeting with the Majority Caucus was to seek their advice, recommendations and endorsement as he prepares to engage delegates across the country.
He said he would subsequently visit the constituencies of the MPs to interact with delegates and present his vision for the party.
He expressed appreciation for the reception and support received from the MPs, describing it as an indication that the relationships he built during his years in Parliament remained valuable.
The consultations form part of his broader engagements with party stakeholders as he seeks to succeed Mr Asiedu Nketiah as National Chairman.
By: Christian Kpesese
