Don’t rely solely on education record – Nii Lantey cautions Adutwum over NPP flagbearer bid
National Coordinator of the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP), Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has advised former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum to be measured in his approach as he seeks to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP), warning him against hinging his entire flagbearer campaign on his record at the Ministry of Education.
Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV, Vanderpuye acknowledged Dr. Adutwum’s calm personality and commitment but was quick to point out that his performance as Education Minister remains a mixed bag.
“It is good that Adutwum wants to contest the flagbearership. He has a very calm demeanour. But I don’t want him to premise his qualification on his performance at the Ministry of Education,” he advised.
According to Vanderpuye, while Adutwum introduced some useful reforms and policies during his time at the ministry, there were also significant lapses that could undermine his credibility as a potential flagbearer.
“His performance is 50-50. There are things he did right, but there are also a lot of things he did wrong, which won’t give him the credibility he is seeking,” he added.
His comments follow Dr. Adutwum’s official announcement on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, declaring his intent to contest the NPP’s flagbearership in January 2026. In a Facebook post, the former minister said he was motivated by a sense of duty and conviction.
“With humility, conviction, and a resolute heart, I, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, declare my intent to run for the Flagbearership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), should nominations be officially opened by the party,” he wrote.
Dr. Adutwum, who served as MP for Bosomtwe and later as Education Minister, is positioning himself as a reformer and technocrat with the vision to transform Ghana.
However, Vanderpuye’s caution adds to a growing chorus of voices urging the aspirant to broaden his appeal beyond the classroom and address grassroots political realities.
The NPP is expected to elect its next flagbearer in January 2026, following internal primaries that could see a crowded field of contenders, including prominent names such as Kennedy Agyapong and Bryan Acheampong.
