Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, MP for Ablekuma South

Graphic.com.gh Personality Profiles Oct - 16 - 2023 , 13:26 4 minutes read

Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije born on November 4, 1955. He is an educationist and politician who currently serving his four-year term as a Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South Constituency in the Greater Accra Region. He is a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party.

He is also a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and House Committee of Parliament.

He was the former Mayor of Accra, installed in that office by President John Atta Mills in 2009 and he was maintained in that office by President John Dramani Mahama, completing his second term in 2017.

His Dutch surname reflects his Euro-African descent. The ancestors of Vanderpuije originally came from Sint-Maartensdijk on the former island of Tholen in the Netherlands. His ancestor, Jacobus van der Puije, was governor of the Dutch Gold Coast in 1780.

Vanderpuije studied at Accra Teacher Training College for a 3-year Postsecondary degree in Education. He holds a Master in Education from Mid-America Nazarene College and a Specialist in Education Administration from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, U.S.A.

Vanderpuije lost his wife Gifty Naa Adei Vanderpuije in 2012, when she died at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. In 2019, Vanderpuije got remarried to Cynthia Amerley Ayiku after seven years of losing his wife.

Member of Parliament of Ablekuma South constituency, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije is a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Vanderpuije's life and career have been marked by a radical commitment to his community and a relentless pursuit of progress.

Born a Christian on Friday, 4th November, 1955, in Accra, Vanderpuije's educational journey laid the foundation for his remarkable career in public service.

He began his academic path at the Accra Teacher Training College, where he pursued a 3-year postsecondary degree in Education.

His commitment to education did not end there; he furthered his studies, earning a Masters in Education from Mid America Nazarene College and a Specialist in Education Administration from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, U.S.A.

These academic achievements provided him with the knowledge and expertise to navigate the complex field of education and administration.

Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije's professional journey has been nothing short of illustrious.

He served as the Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, a role that allowed him to play a pivotal role in the governance and development of the capital city.

His tenure in this position demonstrated his leadership acumen and dedication to effective governance.

In the political arena, Vanderpuije's experience and commitment to public service are reflected in his role as a Member of Parliament in the 7th Parliament, representing the NDC.

His continuity in this role signifies his untiring dedication to his constituents in Ablekuma South and the broader national development agenda.

Within the parliamentary landscape, Vanderpuije is actively engaged in committees that address critical issues facing the nation.

His membership in the Foreign Affairs Committee and Government Assurance Committee reflects a dedication to fostering a just and prosperous future for his constituents and contributing to the broader development of Ghana.

Controversies

LGBTQ+

Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, MP for Ablekuma South Constituency, in October, 2021 reaffirmed Parliament's rejection of LGBTQ+ legalization in Ghana. He expressed the view that throughout Ghana's cultural history, the concept of same-sex marriage has been met with strong disapproval, transcending geographical and tribal distinctions. He emphasized that this deeply ingrained perspective is unlikely to undergo any fundamental shifts in the future.^[13] He emphasized anew that Ghana adheres to the conventional definition of marriage involving heterosexual couples, rejecting any contrary notions. He affirmed Ghana's decision against enacting laws that endorse LGBTQ+ rights, marking a distinction from the perspectives in the U.S. and Europe.

Others

In a Citi News interview, Mr. Vanderpuije, the Ablekuma South representative, pinpointed Accra's flooding as a critical issue for the nominee to address if confirmed. He urged Madam Elizabeth Sackey to cooperate with the Accra Regional Minister upon taking office.