Former member of theNew Patriotic Party (NPP), now an independent candidate for the presidency, Alan Kyeremanteng, has argued that Ghana, being predominantly Christian, should choose a Christian leader as president in the upcoming 2024 elections.
He voiced this sentiment during his address at the Easter Sunday Convention held at the Dr. Thomas Wyatt Assembly of the Church of Pentecost.
After commending the church for its role in societal progress, he emphasised: “As a predominantly Christian nation, as Christians, it is our responsibility that we elect a Christian leader who is also a Christlike leader,” he stated while touting himself as the man to transform the country.
“If you are moved by God to vote for Alan Kyerematen, the leader of transformation, then I can assure you, as our Lord Jesus did on the cross, that you shall be in paradise with him. You will also be in paradise when I assume power,” he declared, eliciting applause.
His remarks have sparked criticism from activists within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing the former trade minister and NPP presidential hopeful of promoting division.
It’s worth noting that the NPP’s current flagbearer is Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who is Muslim. Alan is a Christian, as is the other prominent contender, former President John Dramani Mahama, who leads the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the race.
We must unite to reject this nation-wrecking comment. Such dangerous rhetoric must not be tolerated, and we must denounce it whenever it rears its ugly head. Let us remember that we are one people. We do not have a Christian Ghana or a Muslim Ghana, just one united Ghana.… pic.twitter.com/b2GhewWDIu
Ghana Belongs to Christians And It Is The Responsibility Of All Christians To Vote for a Christian Like Leader- Alan Kyeremanten This is Religious Bigotry At Its Highest Order. Alan is a spent force Can’t Sell Himself so Resorting to Religious Bigotry. Shame on u @AlanKyerematenpic.twitter.com/e60odBcmI6
Former Director of Communications and Spokesperson of Dr. Bawumia, now a member of Alan Kyerematen’s Movement for Change (MFC), Buabeng Asamoah, says he has grown more handsome and nice since he parted ways with the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
His comments was in response to how life has been since his separation from the incumbent government during an interview on Kasapa FM on February 7, 2024, during an appearance on the Accra-based radio station.
“People say I look nicer after leaving NPP. That’s what everybody is saying. Whoever I meet says the same. I’m looking nicer,” he said as he burst into a loud laughter.
Responding to whether his membership in the NPP had an impact on his person, even to the extent of it affecting his looks, he admitted that “it is a huge task for one to give himself to serve others in leadership.
Because a leader is expected to lead his followers to see their aspirations come to fruition, however, once the guiding principles of the leader in leading his followers are frustrated along the line, it becomes a challenge.”
Consequently, he went on to defend the guiding principles of his new party, i.e., Alan Kyeremanten’s Movement for Change, which he claims has given him peace and a good sleep, as the MFC is a representation of the appropriate guiding principles to lead the good people of Ghana to the best.
Meanwhile, Buabeng Asamoah was stripped of his membership in the NPP on November 20, 2023, following his public endorsement of Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, who had resigned from the NPP in September 2023 to form a new movement called Movement for Change (MFC) and run as an independent presidential candidate.
The NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, released a statement announcing that Boabeng Asamoah, along with three other MFC supporters—Hopeson Adorye, Nana Ohene Ntow, and Boniface Abubakar Saddique—had automatically forfeited their membership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in accordance with the party’s constitution.
According to the NPP’s constitution,any member who aligns with a candidate outside of the party’s chosen nominee is deemed to have renounced their membership.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) made a significant presence at the final funeral of former First Lady Theresa Kufuor on November 18, 2023.
The event, held at Heroes Park in Kumasi, was followed by a private burial at Daaban.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, accompanied by his spouse, the Vice President, and other high-ranking members, attended the ceremony.
However, the occasion was marred by a heated exchange between supporters of former trade minister Alan Kyerematen and NPP supporters.
In a video shared by Accra-based Citi FM, members of Alan’s Movement for Change, clad in customized black and yellow butterfly prints, engaged in a taunting exchange with NPP supporters, who responded in kind.
The video captured Alan’s supporters singing songs that hinted at surprises for the ruling party, especially in the region.
Alan, formerly a senior member of the party and a contender for the 2024 elections, resigned in early September to form the Movement for Change. He aims to contest the election under its banner.
Meanwhile, the NPP elected Vice President Bawumia as its flagbearer for the same election in early November.
Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has declared unequivocally that Alan Kyeremanten’s departure from the party following his defeat in the presidential primaries was unnecessary.
In response to the party’s decision to allow the four candidates to sign the pledge not to resign, he stated, “Every election has rules and regulations, and party members should respect and abide by these rules.”
He went on to say that anyone who loses an election and leaves the party is not a good candidate or a trustworthy person who should be followed.
He told the parliamentary press corps that “what Alan did was terrible.” When running for office, you should be aware that there are rules that govern elections. He didn’t have to resign from the NPP.”
He also believes that individuals who want Alan to be talked to so he will return to the NPP should cease since it is unnecessary.
He claimed that the fact that he left the party in the first place demonstrates that he was never a member of the party in the first place.
“Why should we beg you to rejoin a party you claimed to be a member of?” Who should come up to you and persuade you to come back to the party?
“Why should you leave the party in the first place if you were a member? Anyone who suggests that we must beg him to return is hazardous. “Leaving the party was a bad decision, and there’s no reason for us to go and beg him to come back,” he added.
Movement for Change, under the leadership of Mr. Alan Kyerematen, was officially inaugurated on September 25, 2023, and has since initiated an outreach program in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region.
Donned in their distinctive gold T-shirts featuring a butterfly logo, the dedicated volunteers made their presence known in Kumasi’s central business district and market centers, aiming to introduce their movement to the people of Oseikrom.
The warm and enthusiastic reception from the locals overwhelmed the volunteers to the extent that, at times, they had to apologise for their inability to provide more movement-related materials to the eager crowd.
Some participants in a picture
The voters in the city expressed their approval of the team’s efforts and reassured the volunteers that it’s only a matter of time before many of them, including businessmen and women, join the movement.
They strongly believe that the country must be liberated from the control of the NPP and the NDC.
Solomon Owusu, a prominent member of the Movement, emphasised that with less than 14 months remaining until the 2024 election, if the two major political parties, which have collectively governed the country for thirty-two (32) years, underestimate the significance of this upcoming election, they must reconsider.
Owusu added that theMovement for Change is poised to become a formidable force, destined to make a lasting impact on history.
Deputy Finance Minister Abena Osei-Asare and Member of Parliament for Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro constituency, Sylvester Tetteh, have issolated themselves from former New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant Alan Kyerematen’s resolution to contend as an independent candidate in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Osei-Asare and Tetteh, who were previously strong supporters of Alan Kyerematen’s campaign to lead the NPP as its flagbearer, have now reaffirmed their allegiance to the NPP and openly expressed their disapproval of Kyerematen’s independent candidacy.
Joining the ranks of disappointed pro-Alan MPs is Davis Ansah Opoku (OPK) of Mpraeso, who released a statement expressing his discontent and accusing his former leader of betraying party loyalty and unity.
“The decision is profoundly disappointing. It is a disheartening departure from the principles of party loyalty and unity, which are fundamental to our democratic process. The NPP has always thrived on the strength of its agreement and the collective support of its members,” his statement read in part.
Abena Osei-Asare, who established a personal and professional contact with Kyerematen, stated unequivocally her devotion to the NPP and its beliefs.
In a press statement, she stated, “First and foremost, while I enjoy both a personal and professional relationship with Hon. Alan Kyerematen, characterized by mutual respect and a shared commitment to our nation’s progress, I must respectfully distance myself from his recent choice.”
Sylvester Tetteh, on his part, indicated that his support for was conditional on Kyerematen remaining a member of the NPP, and that now that he (Kyerematen) has chosen an independent route, he has transferred his support to Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia.
Sylvester Tetteh expressed his rationale for this decision, stating, “I was supporting Alan Kyerematen to become the flagbearer of our party so that everyone within the party would support him to become the president because I cannot singlehandedly make Alan Kyerematen president,” he said in an interview on Asempa FM on September 25,2023.
He continued, “As I speak to you, I have a choice in who should lead our party. So, with that choice, it is my responsibility to work for him to become the leader of our party and subsequently become the president. Any other candidate is not known to me Sylvester, and my political ambition is because I serve the NPP, I remain an NPP person. Alan Kyerematen is a Ghanaian until his announcement he is a member of our party I respect him but his aspirations and mine are contradicting so for that reason we are on our own on different pages.”
Alan Kyerematen formally resigned from the party on Monday, September 25, 2023, and stated his intention to run for the presidency as an independent candidate in the impending 2024 elections.
Alan Kyerematen’s move follows his departure from the NPP’s flagbearer election, which was precipitated by a less-than-pleasant outcome at the Super Delegates Conference in August 2023.
He explained his rationale, stating, “Under the circumstances and given the context, I am honorably resigning from the New Patriotic Party to contest the high office of the presidency in 2024 as an independent presidential candidate.”
NDC’s National Communication Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, has described Alan Kyerematen “not viable” in response to his resignation from the NPP.
Alan officially submitted his resignation letter indicating he was no longer interested in being a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday [September 25, 2023].
In a post shared on X on Monday, September 25, 2023, Sammy Gyamfi expressed empathy for Alan but pointed out that Alan had played a role in the current hardships faced by Ghanaians and could not absolve himself from it.
He also asserted that Alan, much like the NPP, didn’t bring anything new to the table for Ghanaians and should not be supported.
“The point has to be made forcefully, that Alan is not a viable alternative to the failed incumbent NPP government as a cabinet minister responsible for Trade and Industry and a member of the Economic Management team from 2017-2023, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen actively participated in the destruction of the economy into the mess it is today.
“Under his watch, the Komenda Sugar Factory was abandoned to rot for almost six (6) years. Growth of the manufacturing sector declined significantly and businesses were suffocated by the bad policies of his Ministry and government leading to several job losses,” parts of the post reads.
The significant setback Alan experienced at the party’s special delegate conferences, he continued, was the only reason Alan left the NPP.
“Would Alan have resigned from the NPP if he had been treated fairly by the NPP in their ongoing Presidential primaries?
“Clearly, it is the pain of rejection by the super delegates of the NPP and the intimidation and harassment of his supporters which is fueling Alan’s latest decision and not any superior passion to help heal the partisan divisions in the country. But it is too late for Alan to jump ship now. Alan is not and cannot be the solution to the very mess he participated in creating!” he added.
About Alan’s resignation from the NPP and running as an independent candidate in the 2024 election:
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, on Monday, September 25, 2023, Alan Kyeremateng, announced his decision to leave the NPP and also contest as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential elections.
He said that even though it was his wish to become president of Ghana on the ticket of the NPP, the party has now been hijacked by ‘unscrupulous party apparatchiks’.
“The NPP as it exists now has very little resemblance to the Party that I joined in 1992 and helped to nurture. The Party has been hijacked by a selected group of Party leaders and elders, government appointees, “behind the curtain power brokers” and some unscrupulous Party apparatchiks.
“… I wish to use this platform to announce that I am honourably resigning from the New Patriotic Party to contest for the high office of the President of the Republic of Ghana in the 2024 general elections as an independent presidential candidate,” he said.
Alan added that his presidential ambition would be run by a movement led by the youth.
“To actualise this goal, I will establish and lead a new MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE in Ghana. The brand logo for the MOVEMENT is the Monarch Butterfly, which politically symbolizes change and transformation, hope, and positivity. It also communicates strength, endurance, spirituality, and trust, which are key traits that I cherish as a Political Leader. In Akan, it is known as Afrafranto. The brand motto of the MOVEMENT is “Ghana Will Rise Again,” which symbolizes hope for the future of Ghana.
“The new Movement will be led and powered by the youth of Ghana. Out of the over 17 million registered voters in the 2020 general election, the youth aged 18-35, years constituted over 9.4 million voters representing 55% of the total voters,” he said.
Read Sammy Gyamfi’s post below:
*On the matter of Alan Kyeremanteng’s resignation from the failed NPP;*
1. It is an indisputable fact, that Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanteng has not been treated fairly by his party, the NPP.
2. The NPP under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo has never been truly democratic.
There is no way Alan could have gotten a modicum of fairness or justice in the ongoing presidential primaries of the NPP under the leadership of the despotic tyrant, Akufo-Addo who is hellbent on installing his puppet as his successor and continues to oppress persons who disagree with him. Former NPP National Chairman, Paul Afoko and former General Secretary, Kwabena Agyepong come to mind readily.
3. I understand Alan’s pain and do empathize with him. He and his supporters have continuously been victims of intimidation, unprovoked harassment and violence. His resignation from the NPP is therefore understandable.
4.The basis of his resignation from the NPP is the more reason why no democratic or peace-loving Ghanaian must join or vote for the NPP.
5.*However, the point has to be made forcefully, that Alan is not a viable alternative to the failed incumbent NPP government.*
As a Cabinet Minister responsible for Trade and Industry and a member of the Economic Management team from 2017-2023, Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanteng actively participated in the destruction of the economy into the mess it is today.
Under his watch, the Komenda Sugar Factory was abandoned to rot for almost six (6) years. Growth of the manufacturing sector declined significantly and businesses were suffocated by the bad policies of his Ministry and government leading to several job losses.
5. Would Alan have resigned from the NPP if he had been treated fairly by the NPP in their ongoing Presidential primaries?
Clearly, it is the pain of rejection by the super delegates of the NPP and the intimidation and harassment of his supporters which is fueling Alan’s latest decision and not any superior passion to help heal the partisan divisions in the country. But it is too late for Alan to jump ship now.
*ALAN IS NOT AND CANNOT BE THE SOLUTION TO THE VERY MESS HE PARTICIPATED IN CREATING!*
ALAN = BAWUMIA = NPP THE VALUE IS THE SAME!
SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ. National Communications Officer, NDC
Former Trades and Industry Minister and a Flagbearer hopeful,Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has successfully advanced to the next stage of the New Patriotic Party’s Flagbearer contest.
Based on preliminary figures coming from the Electoral Commission’s Office, Alan Kyerematen has secured the third position with 95 votes, which accounts for 10.29% of the total votes counted nationwide.
The Super Delegates Conference is designed to narrow down the number of candidates from ten to five. This election is exclusively open to National Executives, Members of Parliament, and select distinguished members of the New Patriotic Party.
Initial results indicate that Alan is leading over other contenders like Former Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto and Former Energy MinisterBoakye Kyerematen Agyarko.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia secured a notable victory over Alan Kyerematen in the Ashanti Region during the NPP’s Super Delegates Conference, which was considered Kyerematen’s stronghold. Dr. Bawumia received 97 votes out of the total of 121 valid votes cast, while Alan Kyerematen garnered only 10 votes.
Kennedy Agyapong came in third place in the region with 6 votes, and the former Agriculture Minister, Dr. Afriyie Akoto, received 5 votes.
None of the other candidates managed to accumulate any votes. Nevertheless, there was one ballot that was rejected.
The Super Delegates Congress is being held to elect five presidential aspirants to contest the party’s primaries in November this year.
The five candidates with the most votes will move forward to the primaries. They will compete to become the NPP’s chosen candidate for the 2024 general election.
Mahamudu Bawumia is a Ghanaian economist and former central banker who serves as the 5th Vice President of Ghana in the 4th Ghanaian Republic. He assumed office on 7 January 2017 as Vice President of Ghana. Mahamudu Bawumia is an economist, banker, and vice president of Ghana.
Born: October 7, 1963 (age 59 years), Tamale
Spouse: Samira Bawumia
Education: The University of Buckingham (1987), Tamale Senior High School, Simon Fraser University, Lincoln College
Books: Structural Adjustment, Economic Welfare and Electoral Behavior in the 1992 Ghanaian Presidential Election
Kwabena Agyei Agyapong
Mr Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party [NPP]
Kwabena Agyei Agyapong was born on Independence Day, March 6, 1962 in Kumasi, Ghana, to the late Justice Kwadwo Adjei Agyapong and Mrs Margaret Agyapong. He is a Ghanaian, civil engineer and politician.
Born: March 6, 1962 (age 61 years), Kumasi
Spouse: Lawrencia Agyapong
Parents: Kwadjo Adgyei Agyepong
Education: Mfantsipim School, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Alan John Kwadwo Kyeremateng
Alan John Kwadwo Kyeremateng also known as Alan Cash is a Ghanaian politician and an International diplomat. Currently, he is running for the npp presidential candidate seat for a fourth time with the likes of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyepong and others.
Born: October 3, 1955 (age 67 years), Kumasi
Education: Adisadel College, University of Minnesota
Party: New Patriotic Party
Previous offices: Minister of Trade and Industry of Ghana(2017–2023),
Siblings: Bridget Kyerematen-Darko
Spouse: Patricia Christabel Kyerematen
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong
Kennedy Ohene-Agyapong, Assin Central MP
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong is a Ghanaian politician and businessman who represents Assin Central in parliament for the New Patriotic Party. He was first elected a member of parliament in 2000 to the seat of Assin North. He retained his seat in the 2004 and 2008 parliamentary elections.
Born: June 16, 1960 (age 63 years), Central Region
Children: Ken Takyi Agyapong, Amanda Agyapong
Party: New Patriotic Party
Education: Fordham University, Adisadel College
Siblings: Betty Agyapong
Spouse: Stella Wilson Agyapong
Office: Member of Parliament of Ghana since 2013
Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko
Boakye Agyarko, NPP Presidential hopeful
Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko is a Ghanaian economist, politician and a former banker. He was the vice president of the Bank of New York. He was the former Minister for Energy in Ghana.
Born: 1956 (age 67 years), Kumasi
Party: New Patriotic Party
Education: Pace University, Mfantsipim School, University of Ghana
Joe Ghartey
Hon Joe-Ghartey
Joe Ghartey is a Ghanaian lawyer, academic and politician. He is a former Attorney-General of Ghana, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Railways and Development Minister. Joe Ghartey hails from Shama, in the Western Region of the Republic of Ghana.
Born: June 15, 1961 (age 62 years), Accra
Education: University of Ghana (1982–1986), Mfantsipim School, Ghana School Of Law, Ridge Church School
Party: New Patriotic Party
Previous office: Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of Ghana (2006–2009)
Children: 5
Owusu Afriyie Akoto
Flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto
Owusu Afriyie Akoto is a Ghanaian agricultural economist and politician. He is a member of the New Patriotic Party and was a Member of Parliament for the Kwadaso Constituency from 2009 to 2017.
Born: October 19, 1949 (age 73 years), Koforidua
Party: New Patriotic Party
Parents: Baffour Osei Akoto
Education: University of Cambridge, University of Ghana, Opoku Ware School
Children: 8
Previous office: Minister of Food and Agriculture of Ghana
Kofi Konadu Apraku
Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku
Kofi Konadu Apraku is a Ghanaian politician and economist and a member of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana. He is a member of the New Patriotic Party. He was the Member of Parliament for the Offinso North constituency in the fourth parliament of the fourth Republic of Ghana.
Born: September 7, 1954 (age 68 years)
Education: Oregon State University
Party: New Patriotic Party
Kwadwo Poku
Sir Kwadwo N. Poku II is an energy expert and a former Chief Executive Officer of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, a popular football club in Ghana. He picked up his nomination form to contest the NPP presidential primary on June 21, 2023, at the party’s headquarters in Accra.
Francis Addai-Nimoh
Francis Addai-Nimoh, flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Francis Addai-Nimoh is a Ghanaian politician and a member of the Sixth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. He represented the Mampong Constituency in the Ashanti Region on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party.
Born: March 23, 1965 (age 58 years)
Education: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Party: New Patriotic Party
Previous office: Member of Parliament for Asante Mampong in the Ashanti Region, (2013–2017)
All 10 candidates vying to be the New Patriotic Party‘s (NPP) presidential nominee in the 2024 elections have been approved by the vetting committee for the presidential primary.
The aspirants are:
Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen
Mr. Kwadwo Poku
Mahamudu Bawumia
Boakye Kyerematen Agyarko
Kwabena Agyei Agyapong
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong
Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku
Dr. Owusu Akoto Afriyie
Joe Ghartey
Francis Addai-Nimoh
The NPP’s general secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, made the announcement in a statement.
According to Mr. Kodua’s statement, the Vetting Committee delivered its findings to the NPP National Council on July 10, 2023, in accordance with Article 10(3) of the party’s constitution.
He stated that the suggestions of the Vetting Committee will be discussed by the Party’s National Council on July 20, 2023.
It was all joy and applause when Hon Joe Ghartey stated at a meeting of the Expanded Regional Executive Committee of the Western Region of the New Patriotic Party that as long as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, God willing, “I will definitely contest for the Flagbearer position for the New Patriotic Party.”
Addressing the gathering at a meeting held in Sekondi-Takoradi on Monday, 7th November 2022, Joe Ghartey stated that it had come to his attention that some Presidential Aspirants had already come into the Region to meet some delegates. He said that he would also meet them soon, but he was serving notice that he would definitely contest the Presidential Primaries.
Joe Ghartey recollected that about five days before the 2020 general elections, he was interviewed on Radio 360, a radio station in Takoradi. The host asked him whether he would run for Parliament in 2024.
Joe Ghartey, who has been an MP since 2004, said he would not. Pressed further whether he would aspire to be president, Joe Ghartey said he responded yes.
He said he told the presenter that he had contested in 2012, and he placed third after the President and Alan Kyeremanteng, and he would contest again, God willing.
Hon Ghartey told the gathering that after that, Asaase Radio flew a team from Accra to Takoradi to interview him a few days before the election.
The host, Kojo Mensah, asked him the same question about whether he would contest for the presidential slot in 2024, and he answered yes.
Joe Ghartey told the gathering that after the election, the president addressing MPs elect, said he would exclude from his Government anyone who had declared that he would contest for presidential Primaries.
Joe Ghartey said he was told by a senior member of the party that he should have said he was now thinking about it when he was asked the question. Joe Ghartey told the gathering that he was not in the business of lying or waffling, and he spoke the truth, and the truth set him free.
He had thought about it already, and that is why he answered that way. He assured the Region that he would definitely come around soon.
Hon. Ghartey is a former Attorney General Minister of Justice and former Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
A pro-Alan member, Alhaji Hindu Abdallah says that after Bawumia formally declares his political aspirations, he will run a campaign for him.
Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is being supported by Alhaji Hindu Abdallah, a well-known activist and Alan Kyerematen’s Northern Region coordinator, to run as the candidate for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to him, he is not supporting Bawumia because he is a Muslim or a Northerner, adding the economist is the best thing to have happened to the party.
“Don’t get me wrong… I’m not supporting Bawumia because he is a Northerner or Muslim but rather I am supporting him because he is competent and the best to lead the party,” the former Northern regional organizer of the NPP told Radio Tamale.
Alhaji Abdallah said he will campaign for Bawumia once he makes his political ambitions known publicly and officially.
“If Bawumia comes out today to declare his intention to contest asNPP flagbearer you cannot leave me out as his lead campaigner,” he said. “You can peddle all the falsehood in the world but the truth is that I am a diehard Bawumia person.”
Can we really toe this path as a people whose very essence is premised on freedom, equality, and accountability? Can we? Have we suddenly stooped too low to make some people more equal and greater than the rest of the family?
Background
On August 13, 2022, an event was held in the Metropolis of Kumasi, Ashanti Region. The program, which was an all-inclusive health walk for friends of Alan Kyeremanteng climaxed with speeches from great party men.
Hon. Hopeson Adorye, a party stalwart and a former parliamentary candidate for Kpone Katamanso also spoke. Sadly, however, his speech which was a rallying cry for patriots was misconstrued by opponents as a divisive and bigot statement —a development that generated widespread condemnation and chastisement so much so that, he had to make a press release.
Mr. Hopeson Adorye has since been referred to codes of the party which sort of outlaw his utterance and or any other utterances of that magnitude in the party. In fact, the office of the General Secretary of the party has supposedly called him to order and is currently exploring befitting sanctions for his action.
Our take
How these protocols and codes suddenly appeared from nowhere to implicate and discipline Mr. Adorye is a development that cast doubt over our widely touted democracy spirited in freedom. Sincerely, this smack was meant for someone bigger, not Mr. Hopeson Adorye. I mean, who has not seen or heard Chairman Wontumi talk about the obvious romance he has for the Vice President? Who hasn’t heard the campaign songs he is singing for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia?
What about the declaration Mr. Aziz Futah, the National Nasara coordinator made? What disciplinary actions or chastisements were reserved for these people? Hon. Samuel Atta-Kyea suggested that the Vice President be made the flagbearer and Alan Kyeremanteng his running mate, we were asked to laugh over it; Nana Obiri Boahen, the former Deputy General Secretary is very public about his wish for the Vice President’s candidature; we see and hear all of these, but we mostly label them as mere praises born out of venerations for the Vice President.
All these people and many other party faithfuls, publicly made varied statements which to a large extent, supported or endorsed Dr. Bawumia for the flagbearership race; these, they did and still do without any malice and without having the all-embracing arms of the law clamp down on them. But when someone from Alan’s bloc says something, he is taken on and the long and sharp claws of the party’s structures begin to clatter for action. Is this the kind of party we wish to build going forward? I mean, for a party that is preparing to secure an unprecedented feat, divisive administration aimed at victimizing other Patriots is definitely way below the bar. We are not breaking anything with this attitude, for whoever wins the race, will need the other bloc for the long battle that neighs.
It has always been long service, commitment, and loyalty —so it shall remain! The God of Alan will speak…
Source: Ghanaweb
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
The NPP’s General Secretary issued a press release in which he cautioned against open campaigns for the party’s flagbearer candidates.
He indicated that until the ban on campaigning activities is lifted, persons seen openly campaigning will be sanctioned by the party.
However, on Saturday August 13, 2022 some members of the political party called “friends of Alan†organized a health walk in the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi.
During the walk, they displayed placards openly campaigning for the candidature of AlanKyeremanteng.
After the walk, leaders of friends of Alan made utterances that could divide the political party; something executives of the party have been fighting against.
Reacting to the walk, Tangoba could not understand why the party will sanction it, especially when the General Secretary has openly said they frown on all open campaign activities.
She wanted to know if the ban was lifted the dawn before the supposed health walk.
