Kennedy Agyapong, flagbearer hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has provided insights into why his fellow contender, Alan Kyerematen, faced challenges in the NPP super delegates election held on August 26, 2023.
During an interview on Neat FM on October 5, 2023, Agyapong asserted that Alan Kyerematen‘s choice to maintain a low profile within the party for extended periods had consequences for his campaign. He explained that during the years when Kyerematen remained relatively inactive in politics, a new generation of voters had emerged.
Many of these young voters were now eligible to participate in the election, but they were unfamiliar with Alan Kyerematen due to his prolonged absence from the political scene.
“He (Alan) and I were engaging in a fair campaign, but the others were on the other side and using money to intimidate people.
“They were going to win because of their intimidation tactics, wealth, and power, but Alan and I were going to win because of our popularity among the general public.
“Alan has been a part of the system for a while, but there came a point where it appeared he stayed quiet and was silent. The majority of the children who were young at the time are now adults who are able to vote, so if you think back to when Kufour was in power when someone was 10 years old, they are now 25 years old and don’t know about Alan at the time,” he said.
Kennedy Agyapong further elaborated that one of the significant missteps made by Alan Kyerematen could have been his decision not to become a Member of Parliament.
Agyapong suggested that his own continuous presence, both in the media and as a Member of Parliament, had been instrumental in preserving his visibility and popularity within the political landscape.
“Many of them don’t know Alan because he withdrew from society and went quiet over the years, but I have consistently served in Parliament, and I believe that honorable Alan made the mistake of not being forced to become a Member of Parliament. For me, my consistency on radio and television in good and bad times has made me well known,” he added.
In the super delegates election, Bawumia secured a total of 629 votes, which amounted to 68.15 percent of the overall votes, making him the top candidate.
Kennedy Agyapong secured the second position with 132 votes, equating to 14.30 percent of the vote share. Alan Kyerematen garnered 95 votes, accounting for 10.29 percent of the total votes cast.
Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has expressed the belief that the good looks of former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen will have a broad appeal to the public.
Consequently, he anticipates that many individuals will be influenced to vote for Mr Kyerematen during the 2024 elections.
The presidential aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) made this assertion during an interview on Starr FM. In his submission, he shared a real-life story where a lady he wanted to woo voted for the late former President Jerry John Rawlings due to his looks.
“I was chasing a girl in Legon who was doing her masters. I was staying at Madina Redco flat. I am NPP. She was going to vote for Rawlings, so I asked why, and she said the man is handsome. Simple. Her reason for going to vote for Rawlings is that he is handsome.
“I am telling you (in politics looks play a role) and Alan has that personality and he is loved by people who don’t like Ken Agyapong’ style,” he said.
“Alan is calm. So Alan can sweep, those who want a handsome man. Vice President is also handsome nice but this time is not his time,” the Assin Central MP added.
Meanwhile, Mr Kyerematen has shot down claims suggesting the irrelevance of Mr Kyerematen in the NPP.
“Anyone who says Alan is not relevant to the NPP so he should go means he doesn’t like the party,” he noted.
According to him, Mr Kyerematen will poll about 10 to 15 percent of the total votes cast in the 2024 elections.
Presidential aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, is confident of a strong showing by former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen during the 2024 general elections.
Mr Kyerematen announced his exit from the NPP on September 25, revealing his decision to run as an independent candidate ahead of the country’s next polls.
Some politicians have cast doubt on a good performance by the former Trade Minister. But Mr Kennedy Agyapong thinks otherwise.
During an interview on Starr FM, the Assin Central MP noted that Mr Kyerematen will poll about 10 to 15 percent of the total votes cast.
Mr Agyapong conveyed that Alan Kyerematen’s personality will get a significant number of people voting for him.
“Alan’s personality, besides being an Ashanti, people love him. The way he is. With all due respect to Osofo Kyereabosom. He was not a politician, we didn’t know him. He came and got three percent. How can you say that Alan will not get 10-15 percent. Oh, of course.”
In response to the likes of Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, Paul Adom-Otchere, who share opposing views, Mr Agyapong said “They don’t get it.”
“I am a grassroots man.. It is a big problem to us. I am telling you. Anybody who says Alan is not relevant to the NPP so he should go means he doesn’t like the party,” he added.
Founding member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe has expressed doubts about Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen’s chances of winning the 2024 presidential election.
Speaking on JoyFM, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe explained that when Mr Kyerematen announced his resignation from the NPP, he indicated establishing a movement which will be led and powered by the youth of Ghana.
However, he expressed disbelief about whether the Ghanaian youth actually supports the vision and the movement established by Mr Kyerematen.
“No, no, and no again. What even interested me was the fact that he was calling on the youth of Ghana. He says the movement belongs to the youth. Now, if you have the minds of the youth, they would have seen it long ago,” he said.
Former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Central Regional Chairman, Bernard Allotey Jacobs, is of the firm belief that former member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyerematen, has a meager following.
According to Mr Allotey Jacobs, he came to this conclusion following a recent video of Alan Kyerematen.
He noted that the former Trade Minister who seeks to contest the 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate was in Bantama canvassing support.
Mr Kyerematen was with a group comprising eight men, he said. In his account, Mr Allotey Jacobs stated that upon arrival at a lorry station, the group of boys chanted, “Here he is.”
Engaging in discussions on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show, Mr Allotey Jacobs expressed pessimism about Mr Kyerematen’s following. He does not expect much from the former Trade Minister owing to this.
“Yesterday, I saw a video about Alan Kyerematen. He was around Dr Kokofu’s constituency, Bantama, and about six boys were behind him. About two boys preceeded him. At the lorry station, they introduced him to those there, chanting, Here he is. Herh butterfly. There is a saying that were the wind blows is where I go. That is my advice,” he said.
An independent presidential hopeful, Alan Kyerematen has stated that he won’t involve himself in a public dispute regarding a contentious clause in his former party’s constitution, which could potentially prevent him from running as an independent candidate.
Mr Kyerematen emphasized that there are more pressing issues that require attention and that he will not waste his time discussing what he views as a political maneuver by the Minister of State in-charge of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, OB Amoah.
“I will not use precious time to discuss this matter. This is not a subject matter that we have to waste time talking about. I am very disappointed in someone like OB Amoah, he is my little brother.
“You claim you are a lawyer, and you happily quote this on national television. I am a member of a party, and we are going to a contest, and I said I have signed a clause. Now I am outside the party because I am no longer a member, you want to chase me over a clause I signed when I was a member. I don’t even want to waste time discussing that,” he noted.
This issue arose when OB Amoah highlighted a clause in the New Patriotic Party’s constitution stating that individuals who wish to contest in the party’s elections cannot later run as independent candidates or join other political parties if they lose the party’s election.
He asserted that the party reserves the right to prevent Alan Kyerematen from contesting as an independent candidate in the general elections.
In response, Mr Kyerematen expressed disappointment with OB Amoah but stated that he did not want to comment further on the matter. He argued that he is no longer a member of the party and therefore not bound by the clause he had signed while a member.
Mr Kyerematen underscored that there are more critical issues within his former party that require attention and resolution, making the clause dispute a secondary concern.
“Now, this is the mischief in the party that has left a lot of people disappointed. You OB Amoah, you are a minister and a lawyer. After all the years you have followed elections, you didn’t get anything important to chase after, but this?” he added.
Journalist and private legal practitioner Kuuku Welsing Jones expressed his opinion regarding former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopefulAlan Kyerematen’s decision to resign from the party.
While he acknowledged that it may not be the ideal course of action, Kuuku Welsing voiced his partial support for Alan’s choice.
During his appearance on the recent episode of the KSM Show, Kuuku Welsing asserted that Alan had found himself caught up in a campaign of hostility led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“I do support to an extent; the fact is simple. Breaking away from the party is not the best but the argument for this is that the party hierarchy has made up their mind who is to contest and so the whole thing looks like a sham.
“Now Alan has some grievances; don’t forget that in 2008, in April, I think the 17th of April, Alan resigned from the party and Alan was persuaded to come back and he came back.
“Now the issue is this; let’s face it. Look, animosity and jealousy are all part of the game. Alan contested Nana on three occasions and if anybody tells you that Nana likes Alan, tell the person I say it is not true,” he stated.
Even though he had served as a trade minister in both of Nana Addo’s presidential terms, Kuuku Welsing pointed out that the association between the president and the now-independent candidate had always been based on convenience.
This remained true until his decision to resign and run for the NPP flagbearership.
“Look, he doesn’t like Alan. It’s like a marriage of convenience,” he stated.
He stressed that due to Mr. Kyerematen’s origins in the Ashanti Region, a stronghold of the NPP, President Akufo-Addo felt compelled to include him in his government.
After securing third place in theNPP’s special college poll held in August, Mr. Kyerematen disclosed his resignation from the party in September, citing concerns over threats, intimidation, and mistreatment directed at his supporters.
He also declared his intention to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election.
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Osei Bonsu Amoah, has suggested that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has the means to prevent, John Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen from running as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election.
According to him, Mr Kyerematen’s decision to contest as an independent candidate violates the party’s constitution and could lead to legal action.
“This is not a subject matter we should waste time to discuss. How can a lawyer put up such an argument on national television? I signed the document when I was in the party. If I leave the party how do you chase me to live by that document? It is hard to comprehend,” he said.
In response, Alan Kyerematen, the leader of the Movement for Change, expressed his readiness to face the NPP in court.
He argued that expecting him to adhere to a document he signed while he was a party member is unreasonable, as he has since resigned from the party.
Mr Kyerematen left the NPP, claiming that the party had been taken over by a select few and had strayed from its democratic principles.
Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has criticised former member of the party, Alan Kyerematen, for allegedly running with the notion that he would automatically succeed Akufo-Addo after his term ends.
According to a journalist on Peace FM, in 2007, now President Akufo-Addo, then the flagbearer of the NPP, urged Alan Kyerematen to support him until his tenure ends, where he would continue.
In response to the statement, John Boadu asked, “Does the NPP belong to Akufo-Addo? Is it his that he can say that after I’m gone, you continue?”
After the 2007 presidential elections, there was a need for a second round of voting, but Alan Kyerematen decided to step aside for Nana Akufo-Addo to proceed.
Reacting to this, Mr Boadu explained that holding a second round of voting would have been difficult as most of the electorates had been bussed to their various destinations.
“So if we have finished voting and prepare for the second round, at the time, should we have voted, it would have been difficult.
Because of the distance, we make them vote early. After that, we let them depart. They hear the results while on their way. Should we have decided to vote again, it would have been difficult.
That gesture was good for the party. If we had decided to vote, we would not have made a corum. A lot of people had left, so he (Alan) decided that he would not contest any longer,” he explained.
According to Mr Boadu, he does not believe Alan Kyerematen bought into the succession idea, as he participated in subsequent party elections.
“Since then, he didn’t say he would not contest in 2012 because he had earlier left the position. In 2010, we had an election. I’m 2014, we had another contest. If Akufo-Addo said he (Alan) would succeed him, why did he contest in 2012 and 2014?” he quizzed.
Owing to unresolved electoral issues, Mr Alan Kyerematen has parted ways with the ruling Party to run as an independent candidates ahead of the 2024 elections.
Former Head of Monitoring Unit at the Forestry Commission, Charles Owusu, hopes for the best for former presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following his exit from the ruling party.
On September 25, Alan Kyerematen resigned from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to run for the presidential seat as an independent candidate.
“I wish to use this platform to announce that I am honourably resigning with immediate effect from the NPP to contest for the high office of the President of the Republic of Ghana as an independent presidential candidate,” he said.
He cited reasons for his breakaway, stressing that the New Patriotic Party has proven to him that his “services and contributions to the Party are not appreciated, and that my continuous stay in the Party will create further tension and division, which is an exact replay of circumstances that led to my decision to resign from the Party in 2008”.
Reacting to this position by Alan, Charles Owusu, who solidly supported his bid to become NPP flagbearer, in a melancholic tone, extended his well-wishes to Alan Kyerematen on his new political endeavor.
“We were all with him in an NPP vehicle heading somewhere and all of a sudden, he got off from the vehicle…who am I to remain in the vehicle?”, he said proverbially.
“I wish him well,” he emphasized while contributing to Peace FM’s morning show “Kokrokoo”.
Meanwhile, Mr Alan Kyerematen is of the assertion that “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”.
Economist and political analyst, Dr. Theo Acheampong, has expressed doubts about the likelihood of former Trade Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, reversing his decision to rejoin the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Dr. Acheampong believes that if Mr. Kyerematen were to return to the NPP, it could significantly harm his credibility.
He clarified that Mr. Kyerematen’s decision to resign from the party was not rooted in issues of trust or credibility among potential voters.
During an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile program on a Saturday, Dr. Acheampong questioned Mr. Kyerematen’s motivations for remaining with the party and in government during a period of economic underperformance, only to later break away from the NPP to establish his own movement.
“If he had won the nomination to lead the NPP, would he have broken away to form a new party,” he quizzes.
Dr. Acheampong stressed that there are concerns about the timing of Mr. Kyerematen’s decision and whether it truly reflects his intent to bring about positive changes for the country.
“The message is not the issue, what he wants to do, economy restructuring – at least everyone of the parties in Ghana has spoken about similar things in the past so it comes down to whether or not he would be able to win the election.
“At the moment, if you look at the history, the trends, and even the people he’s trying to target – the youth and the middle-class group, I doubt that he would be able to push and win the election,” he said.
These remarks were made in reaction to comments from the Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC), Nana Akomea, who holds the view that it would be a rational step for the NPP to initiate discussions with Mr. Kyerematen to consider the prospect of his return to the party.
Nana Akomea speaking on the show said “I hope that we keep talking to him, point out to him that this your course of action will not benefit you, it is not going to benefit the NPP, we are better off together.”
One of the rationales offered by the former Trade and Industry Minister for his resignation was his suspicion that the party had shown preferential treatment to a specific candidate during the NPP’s Super Delegates Conference.
Nevertheless, Nana Akomea contended that this justification lacked merit, particularly in light of the extensive participation of party members in the nomination process.
Member of Parliament representing Suame Constituency, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has issued a plea to Alan Kyerematen, urging him to reconsider his resignation from the party and his intention to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 elections.
Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu believes that the concerns expressed by Alan Kyerematen can be addressed within the party. He has called for transparent and constructive discussions to be conducted with the aim of exploring the possibility of Kyerematen rejoining the NPP.
“I was surprised because during the superdelegates’ elections, he withdrew from the race. I engaged in discussions with some of the party leaders to address the issues raised by Alan.
“Although I personally disagreed with some of his points, we decided to let the party investigate them. There was, therefore, an ongoing investigation into the concerns he had raised when, all of a sudden, he declared his resignation from the party,” he said.
During an interview on Okay FM on September 29, 2023, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu revealed that he had been in discussions with party leaders to initiate a dialogue with Kyerematen and work towards resolving the concerns he had raised.
He said, “I firmly believe that it is still possible to engage with Alan and convince him to return.
“As the elders say, ‘It is only a mad man who cannot change his mind.’ Perhaps certain interpersonal issues contributed to his decision to resign.
“It’s important to recognize that decisions made by human beings are not eternally sacrosanct; people can change their minds. The party should continue communicating with him. Therefore, I am of the opinion that we should not cease our discussions with him,” he said.
Alan Kyerematen’s choice to run as an independent candidate was made public on September 25 when he formally departed from the NPP.
This decision followed his withdrawal from the NPP’s flagbearer contest due to difficulties faced during the Super Delegates Conference held within the party in August 2023.
Independent presidential aspirant, Alan Kyerematen, has asserted that there are prominent figures within the administration led by President Akufo-Addo who wield more influence than government ministers.
Mr Kyerematen, who recently distanced himself from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), went on to emphasize that the current dynamics in both the government and the party depart from the typical practices of the NPP.
During an interview with Accra-based Citi TV, one of the founding members of the NPP raised questions about the roles played by these “behind-the-scenes” individuals during the party’s establishment.
“Are you not aware or have you not heard there are people behind the curtain who have more influence in governance now than even ministers?… You have not heard about people behind the curtain who have significant influence and control in the party?” he said on September 27,” he said.
“When we started in 1992, where were they, the so-called behind-the-curtain people,” he quizzed.
On the other hand, Alan Kyerematen has refuted allegations that he presented a facade of unity to the NPP chairman, Stephen Ntim, during his final days with the party.
In an exclusive interview with JoyNews, the former NPP flagbearer aspirant clarified that he had engaged in conversations with Mr. Ntim on various occasions. During these discussions, he pointed out numerous shortcomings within the party. Despite receiving acknowledgment from the party chairman, his concerns remained unaddressed.
As a result, Mr. Kyerematen not only finds the chairman’s assertion that he had no grievances with the party to be untrue but also considers it “disingenuous and very unfortunate.”
“He’s a very good friend of mine. You are the chairman of a party. You come to me to ask whether I have any challenges with what is going on. I scope for you all the things I believe have been going wrong. I’ve had personal conversations with him before and he’s aware of that.”
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has voiced his concerns about what he perceives as entrenched factionalism within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
During an interview with Accra-based TV3, Mr. Kufuor, who led the nation from 2000 to 2008, pointed out that he has observed significant differences in the NPP compared to its earlier state.
He stressed the necessity for the NPP to conduct a thorough evaluation of its activities as it progresses. Mr. Kufuor emphasized the significance of a robust commitment within the party, akin to a kind of dedication similar to a religious belief.
The former president noted that the strong commitment he once sensed within the party appears to have diminished. He underscored the importance of upholding true democratic principles, with an emphasis on inclusivity rather than factionalism.
Mr. Kufuor highlighted that giving prominence to factions within the party, be it at the constituency or national level, results in division and obstructs cooperation.
“The way I feel it, I don’t sense the same strong commitment. I have likened commitment to almost a religion. I don’t sense that now. We are talking proper democracy, an inclusive one, you wouldn’t emphasise factions.”
“Once the practice of selecting constituency or [a] national, you wouldn’t be so divisive and emphasising faction. He belongs to that side so no cooperation. You do that you are dividing the force,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the former General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has urged party members to maintain their focus despite the recent departure of a prominent member and former presidential aspirant, Alan Kyerematen.
Mr. Boadu acknowledged his divergence from Mr. Kyerematen’s stated reasons but emphasized the need to accept and respect his decision.
During an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Mr. Boadu underscored the significance of unity and staying on course within the party.
He recognized that differences in opinions might arise, but he stressed that the party should stay resolute and united in pursuing its objectives, regardless of individual departures.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has highlighted the alarming factionalism and division within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In an interview with TV3 on September 28, 2023, the statesman expressed his concerns about the departure from the party’s original liberal democratic values, which he noted had become diluted compared to its state in the early 1990s.
According to Kufuor, the party’s dedication to liberal democratic principles has waned over time, deviating from the pure commitment that characterized the NPP around 1992.
He emphasized that the fervor and dedication to these principles seemed to have diminished, comparing the earlier commitment to a religious conviction that he no longer senses within the party.
When asked about the cause behind this shift, Kufuor pointed to excessive emphasis on factionalism within the party. He argued that genuine democracy is inclusive and should not promote divisive factions. Kufuor also underscored the significance of internal elections, expressing his regret over how these votes have, over the years, led to the formation of factions and divisions within the NPP.
“During elections across the party, you wouldn’t be so divisive and be emphasizing factions. He belongs to that side so no cooperation. If you do that you are diving the force. The numerical force that you need for any democratic practice,” he stressed.
The NPP is currently grappling with the departure of former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen, who has established a new political movement with the intention of running as an independent presidential candidate in the 2024 elections.
Alan Kyerematen made the announcement of his independent candidacy on September 25, formalizing his resignation from the NPP.
This decision came after he withdrew from the NPP’s flagbearer race, a move attributed to the difficulties he faced during a Super Delegates Conference held within the party in August 2023.
Supporters of Alan Kyerematen in the Northern Region have expressed deep disappointment and a sense of betrayal following the former NPP presidential candidate’s recent withdrawal from the race.
Speaking to the press in Tamale, these dedicated supporters revealed their unwavering allegiance to Kyerematen’s leadership within the party, spanning a remarkable 17-year period. They emphasized their active involvement in his campaigns and their belief in his ability to lead the NPP, especially in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
The supporters conveyed their shock and disappointment at Mr. Kyerematen’s sudden decision to exit the race, particularly after the Special Delegates’ Conference. They highlighted the significant challenges this unexpected move had imposed on them, as they had wholeheartedly supported his candidacy and had perceived widespread grassroots backing.
They questioned the reasoning behind his departure at such a crucial juncture, seeking clarity on the matter.
“We can only describe this action as ‘cowardly’ and a betrayal of his loyal supporters,” they remarked.
Furthermore, they underscored the New Patriotic Party’s democratic principles and highlighted the rights of all members to endorse their preferred candidates during internal elections.
Their steadfast support for Alan Kyerematen stemmed from his extensive history as a member of the NPP, with many considering him one of the party’s foundational members capable of upholding its core principles and traditions.
Mr. Chabile Moses Moye, a prominent figure among Alan Kyerematen’s supporters in the Northern Region, reminisced about their campaign efforts, where they fervently defended Alan’s unwavering loyalty to the party. They vehemently refuted any claims suggesting that he would resign if he did not emerge victorious in the race.
He remarked, “We now find ourselves faced with the stark reality of his resignation. Is this the man we remained loyal to for the sake of the NPP? We want to make it clear that our support for Alan was contingent on his NPP affiliation. We will not betray our party for any individual, not even the President of the Republic. If we identify issues within our party, we believe in staying, working together to resolve differences, and moving forward in unity.”
Moye reminded Alan Kyerematen that he had previously indicated his concerns about the handling of certain policies and decisions and had proposed to revisit them if elected.
He highlighted that Kyerematen had been a member of the cabinet in the capacity of a minister when those decisions were made. Thus, he cautioned against any attempts to mislead them now that he had chosen an independent path.
“We cannot allow one individual to undermine our party and jeopardize our chances of achieving victory in 2024. We want to emphasize that we stand firmly with our party and will work tirelessly to unite our members within the NPP,” Mr. Moye concluded.
Former presidential aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyerematen, has rejected the tag “Aduru wo su” used to label his campaign during his days with the ruling party.
Since the 1990s, Mr Kyerematen has failed in all his attempts to be elected the NPP flagbearer. In most cases, he lost to now-President Akufo-Addo.
Owing to his consistency, the motto “Aduru wo su” to wit, “It is your turn” emerged as he once against fought for the flagbearership race ahead of the 2024 general elections.
According to Mr Kyerematen, such a label is unbefitting of him, as he has proven himself capable of leading the country. He noted that such a tag places him in the position of an entitled individual.
“I disagree with my own team. They kept on making some of these statements. This “eduru wo so” thing, I told them you are underselling me by making it seem as if Alan is just sitting there and he feels entitled and so.. No I kept on telling them.
That is not the kind of label befitting somebody who has worked to deserve to lead the party. So I disagreed with them on the “eduru wo so” label,” he said in an interview on CitiTV.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Movement for Change has shot down claims that his exit from the ruling party will affect his fan base.
He noted that the abysmal performance at the NPP’s Super Delegates Conference does not reflect his actual support from the ruling party.
“I also disagreed with them on their own understanding that the super delegates conference already predicts where their allegiance will be and that if it gets to 200,000. I said the value will be the same. It is not going to change because the delegates who put them there.
“I told the team my strength lies with the rank and file of the party. When we talk about the rank and file of the party, it is not the 200,000 people. Over 6.5 million people voted for NPP in our elections. They are the strength of the party, not the delegates,” he added.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia won the super delegates conference with a total of 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the total valid votes.
Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong came in second with 132 votes, or 14.30% while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes, or 10.29%.
Following the elections, Mr Kyerematen on September 5, withdrew from the race citing reasons such as electoral irregularities, unfair treatment, and bias during the super delegates’ conference held on August 26, 2023.
Leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has named four persons who had the endorsement of former President John Agyekum Kufuor to lead the party in the 2007 flagbearership race.
The former Trade Minister and a presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in an interview with Bernard Avle, the General Manager of Citi News, said that President Kufuor explicitly stated his inability to exclusively support Alan’s flagbearership bid while listing individuals he thought were viable candidates.
Mr Kyerematen said that he was one of the four persons who had the blessing of Mr Kufuor, along with Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who eventually won the contest and became the president of Ghana in 2016, Aliu Mahama, who was the vice president under Mr Kufuor, and Papa Owusu Ankomah, who was a former Minister of Education and Attorney General.
The revelation came as Alan reflected on the political landscape in 2005 when, according to him, clandestine manoeuvres were already in play among party members eyeing the flagbearership position.
“When I went to him to inform him that I have an interest and that my other colleagues have started moves undercover, if he sees that I’m also operating, he should not be surprised about that. His advice to me was, ‘Wait, do your work. If people feel that you are the right person, they themselves would promote you,’” Alan recounted.
However, Alan revisited President Kufuor three months later, expressing his intent to enter the public campaign arena. President Kufuor’s response was unequivocal: “Well, I cannot stop you, but I want to tell you that I will not support you. If there are any people that I will support, there are four people: Nana Akufo-Addo – he was the first person he mentioned, Aliu Mahama, Papa Owusu Ankomah, and then yourself. Any of you, if you win, bless my soul. I’ll be happy.”
He also dismissed the claim that Mr Kufuor was working against any of the candidates or favouring him over others. He said that it was unfair to Mr Kufuor for people to create such an impression, because he did not interfere in the internal affairs of the party or influence the outcome of the election.
“I may not be able to speak for him, but it may not necessarily be untrue. However, it is unfair to President Kufuor for people to have, or are now creating, the impression that because I was a favourite, he did all in his power to, as it were, install me as an heir apparent. It is totally untrue that he was working against any of these candidates,” he noted.
Mr Kyerematen contested for the NPP flagbearership three times: in 2007, 2012 and 2016. He lost to Nana Akufo-Addo on all occasions.
Former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen, has boasted of being the originator of a well-known initiative in Ghana that seeks to ensure the patronage of made-in-Ghana goods.
According to Mr Kyerematen, he is the brain behind the “Friday wear” agenda which has now been widely accepted by Ghanaians.
In an interview on Citi TV with host Bernard Avle, he noted that he conceived the idea during the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor as Minister of Trade and Industry.
“I introduced the Friday wear during my term of office under President Kufuor’s administration. The whole objective was to get us as a people to be proud of what we produce.”
He indicated that the initiative “gave a strong stimulus to the textile industry, our tailors and seamstresses.”
“It was an entry point strategy when I said Friday wear. You know Ghana, so conservative. I wasn’t sure that if you made it everyday from the beginning, people would buy into it. But once people got comfortable. As much as possible, I try to wear made in Ghana always,” he added.
Schools, workplaces have all adopted the “Friday wear” agenda where on Fridays, outfits made from Ghanaian fabric are worn to encourage the use of made-in-Ghana goods.
Independent presidential candidate, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has confidently made predictions ahead the NPP primaries on November 4, 2023.
According to him the results will be no different from what emerged at the end of the NPP Super Delegates Conference held in August.
He therefore told the media in an interview that the circle of people who contributed to the outcome in August will still influence the outcome on November 4th 2023.
“That’s why in my earlier statement, I said that the value will be the same. Its not going to change. Because the two hundred thousand delegates are controlled by the same establishment,” the former trade minister stated.
Due to Alan Kyerematen’s assertion, he says he has not expectation of recieving support from those circle of voters.
So i tell my team people that my strength does not lie with the two hundred thousand people. My strength lies with the rank and file of the party. And when we talk about the rank and file of the party, it is not the two hundred thousand people. 6.5 million and over vote for NPP in our elections and they are the strength of the party”.
In the span of just three days, Alan Kyerematen has engaged in a series of media interactions.
These discussions come in the wake of his departure from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and his decision to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 elections.
Throughout these interviews, he has consistently defended both of his choices and has addressed the underlying issues that prompted his resignation from the NPP.
Furthermore, Alan has elaborated on his extensive 30-year involvement within the NPP, particularly highlighting his achievements as a trade minister during the current administration led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Regarding party-related matters, Alan has found it necessary to reference four national officers and has issued direct responses to comments attributed to them, which are either in support of or in opposition to his resignation.
Former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen has refuted allegations that he portrayed an “all is well” facade to the New Patriotic Party’s chairman, Stephen Ntim, during his final days within the party.
In an interview with JoyNews, the former NPP flagbearer aspirant stated, “I had conversations with Mr. Ntim on different occasions and highlighted the many things the party was doing wrong, but, my concerns, despite an acknowledgement from the party chairman, were left unresolved.”
Mr. Kyerematen expressed his disagreement with the chairman’s assertion that he had no grievances with the party, deeming it untrue, disingenuous, and very unfortunate.
“He’s a very good friend of mine. You are the chairman of a party. You come to me to ask whether I have any challenges with what is going on. I scope for you all the things I believe have been going wrong. I’ve had personal conversations with him before and he’s aware of that.”
“So he comes, I tell him that look, I’ve complained about these things, you have not done anything about them, so, I’m reinforcing those concerns for your consideration. He actually confirms, ‘well, Alan, you’ve been part of this and you know how our system works’. So for you now to turn around and come and give a public statement about the fact that you came and everything was okay. I find that to be very unfortunate,” Mr Kyerematen said.
As an independent presidential candidate, he pointed out several concerns he had raised within the party. These included his reservations about the party’s voters’ register, despite substantial donations aimed at ensuring its credibility, the absence of an exhibition for delegates to confirm their names, and violations of party regulations following the super delegates’ conference.
“I’ve gone through this promise on three occasions with the current president… But if I’m going into this again and I’m concerned about the voters register, which is the basic document that will guarantee free-fair elections, I make representations, I put this in writing and I’m not sure that the representations that I’ve made in respect of that are being taken seriously.”
“He (NPP Chairman) cannot in all sincerity come and say that he came there and we didn’t have a discussion on all these challenges,” Mr Kyerematen added.
The former Minister tendered his resignation from the ruling NPP on Monday, September 26. Having secured third place in the party’s Super Delegates Congress, he has announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate.
At a much-publicised press conference, he indicated that “my decision to contest as an Independent Candidate will not destroy the Party, but instead provide the Party an opportunity to participate in a Government of National Unity in the future, and avoid the risk of going into opposition with no dividends, in what arguably will be a difficult general election in 2024.”
However, despite uncertainties surrounding his potential success, Mr. Kyerematen remains optimistic about his ability to have a substantial impact on floating voters in the 2024 election.
He believes this is achievable because these voters, being independent, do not have allegiance to any political party. He emphasized that the sizable segment of floating voters, approximately 25%, holds significant potential to make a difference in the election.
“I will make a significant difference with floating voters. I am convinced that because of my disposition in politics, I am the type of candidate that the average floating voter has been waiting for. And if I am a candidate, particularly an independent candidate, then that is a major part of my constituency,” he stressed.
Former Trade Minister and former presidential hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyerematen has shed light on a pivotal moment in his political career, revealing that in 2007, formerPresident John Agyekum Kufuor made it clear that he would not support Alan’s bid for the party’s flagbearership.
Alan Kyerematen made this revelation in an interview with Bernard Avle, the General Manager of Citi News, on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. He was responding to a question about whether he was a favourite of Kufuor, who appointed him as an ambassador and a trade minister.
Mr. Kyerematen said that he informedPresident Kufuorof his intention to contest for the NPP flagbearership in 2007, but he was advised to wait and focus on his work as the Trade Minister.
“In 2005, all the people who eventually contested, they had started doing underground moves and operations. I had made up my mind at that time, post-2004, 2005, that I would contest. When I went to him to inform him that I have an interest and that my other colleagues have started moves under cover, if he sees that I’m also operating, he should not be surprised about that. His advice to me was, ‘Wait, do your work. If people feel that you are the right person, they themselves would promote you,” he said.
Alan respected this counsel but returned three months later when he observed open campaigning by others. “I said, ‘Big brother, people are campaigning openly, so I want to serve you notice that I’ll be going.’ What he said is that, ‘Well, I cannot stop you, but I want to tell you that I will not support you.’”
Mr Kyerematen however noted that, former president Agyekum Kufuor did not work against any of the candidates, and that it was unfair for people to create the impression that he favoured him[Alan] over others.
On the contrary, he said that President Kufuor was neutral and impartial in the process, and that he would have been happy with any of the four candidates winning the flagbearership.
“[President Kufuor] said, if there are any people that I will support, there are four people: Nana Akufo-Addo – he was the first person he mentioned, Aliu Mahama, Papa Owusu Ankomah and then yourself. Any of you, if you win, bless my soul. I’ll be happy.’ So, it was on that basis that we all carried on,” Alan told Bernard Avle.
Disputing claims that he was the favourite, Alan emphasised that President Kufuor did not work against any of the candidates. “It is unfair to President Kufuor for people to have, or are now creating, the impression that because I was a favourite, he did all in his power to, as it were, install me as a heir apparent. It is totally untrue that he was working against any of these candidates,” Alan affirmed.
Leader of the newly established political group known as the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has vehemently denied allegations that his candidacy in the 2007 presidential primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was orchestrated by former President John Kufuor.
Kyerematen, who recently left the NPP to pursue an independent presidential candidacy in the upcoming 2024 elections, firmly stated that the claim attributing his candidacy solely to Kufuor’s influence is unfounded and based on unfounded rumors.
These assertions were made during an interview with Bernard Avle on Citi TV’s program “The Point of View.” The former NPP presidential aspirant clarified that he was treated no differently than other aspirants during the 2007 race by President Kufuor.
“It is unfair to President Kufour for people to create the impression that because I was his favourite, he did all in his power to install me as his heir apparent and the reason I am saying that is that in 2005, all the people who eventually contested [the 2007 presidential primaries] had started doing underground moves and operations and I had made up my mind at that time that I would contest.
“When I went to inform him [President Kufour] that I had an interest and that my other colleagues had started moves undercover and that if he sees me also operating he should not be surprised, he told me to wait and do my work and that if people felt that I was the right person, they themselves would promote me.
“I went back three months after to tell him that people are campaigning openly and so I want to serve you notice that I will be going and he said, I cannot stop you but I want to tell you that, I will not support you and if there are people that I will support, it will be Nana Akufo-Addo, Aliu Mahama, Papa Owusu Ankomah, and then yourself and if any of you wins, I will be happy.”
Former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen has clarified that there are no lingering grievances between him and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs who once supported his cause while he was still a member of the party.
During an interview on PM Express on JoyNews, he emphasized that his departure from the party was motivated by his dedication to the betterment of Ghana, and he harbors no ill feelings toward his former colleagues.
Kyerematen elaborated that the MPs, while serving in parliament, are primarily accountable to their constituents under the banner of the NPP. Therefore, he fully comprehends if they choose not to align themselves with him or endorse his independent candidacy. This understanding reflects his commitment to respecting their roles as representatives of their constituencies, even as he pursues his own political journey separate from the party.
“I have made a decision that I want to focus on Ghana. I’ve served my party honourably and nobody can dispute that. So I’ve moved on. I want to save Ghana. So I don’t have a problem with them,” Mr Kyerematen said.
He added that “we shouldn’t see it as a desertion or anything like that. I actually realised right from the beginning that I should allow them to be able to serve their constituents because I’m not floating a new party. I’m not floating parliamentarians. That’s not what I’m seeking to do. So if they can still remain on the ticket of the NPP and when to go to parliament, why not?”
Mr. Kyerematen has made it clear that he will not engage in any efforts to poach or persuade the NPP MPs, who still have influence in their respective constituencies, to join his independent presidential campaign.
“I’m promoting a government of national unity, with people from all walks of life, rich, poor, young, old, able, disabled, or physically challenged, people from the business community, people from media, people from academia, those who have something to offer to our country.”
“I want us to have a united governance mechanism and structure so that in parliament, you have ministers who have been appointed from NPP, you have ministers who have been appointed from NDC, from CPP, people who are apolitical, and I believe that they have the competence and the talent to help Ghana,” Mr Kyerematen explained.
Former Minister Alan Kyerematen officially resigned from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday, September 26. He had previously placed third during the party’s Super Delegates Congress and has now declared his intention to run as an independent presidential candidate in the upcoming 2024 election.
During a well-publicized press conference, Kyerematen emphasized that his decision to run as an independent candidate is not aimed at undermining the NPP.
Following his announcement, some MPs who supported him as an NPP flagbearer aspirant made public statements declaring their position on the matter. They noted that they will not be breaking away from the NPP.
Alan Kyerematen has articulated that his decision to run as an independent candidate is driven by his aspiration to champion a transformational agenda, one that places the youth and women at the forefront of governance. By going independent, he aims to create a platform that empowers and includes young people and women in the decision-making processes of the nation.
An independent presidential aspirant, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has stated that his candidacy is focused on presenting a compelling argument for the necessity of Ghana being led by an independent candidate.
Speaking to the media he contended that the existing political duopoly held by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has failed to provide the dividends required for the nation’s progress.
While acknowledging that Ghana may not appear ready for an independent candidate at first glance, Kyerematen posits that the nation is prepared for a new form of leadership capable of guiding the country toward a brighter future.
He believes that such progress cannot be achieved within the constraints of the current political duopoly.
Kyerematen emphasized that the key objective is not whether Ghanaians are prepared for an independent candidate, but rather the need to present a compelling case for this alternative based on the performance of the existing political model.
“Oh it’s not about Ghanaians being ready for an independent candidate; it’s about making a case for an independent candidate. It’s about making a case for an independent candidate on the basis of what the current model has done for our country.
“As I’ve explained, we’ve had varying fortunes in terms of our own country’s advancement and development. In my considered opinion the duopoly has created more division in our politics than otherwise. Why do we want to continue on that tangent?
“ Why would you want to continue on that tangent? Why would you think that the results would be any different going forward with the same kind of model? So, like everything else, if it doesn’t work, you think outside the box,” he stated.
He indicated that Ghana has experienced diverse outcomes in terms of advancement and development, with the duopoly often exacerbating political divisions.
He questioned the wisdom of persisting with the same model, suggesting that if it has not yielded positive results, it is essential to explore innovative approaches.
Mr Kyerematen argued that while an independent candidate winning the presidential election would be unprecedented in Ghana, it has been accomplished elsewhere in Africa, such as in Benin, where the current successful president emerged as an independent candidate from outside established political parties.
“By the way, this is not the first experience in Africa for example where you have an independent candidate becoming the president of a republic. In Benin close by, the current president, a very successful one came in as an independent candidate completely outside the existing parties.
“In his case, in actual fact, he came from the business community. So it is not that it cannot be done. The fact that it has not been done in Ghana does not mean that it cannot be done and does not mean that that is what we need to do. So I’m making a case for it,” he said.
He acknowledges his historical association with the duopoly but asserts that his decision to break away from it and challenge the system should demonstrate his commitment to change.
Mr Kyerematen rejected the notion that one’s previous involvement with a particular system should disqualify them from being an agent of change, especially when the existing system has not delivered the desired benefits.
Furthermore, he underscored his longstanding advocacy for a united government, even during his tenure within the existing political model.
He believes that this approach can bring about the unity needed to overcome the current polarized duopoly and promote the country’s advancement.
“In my case I believe so. Because even whiles I’ve been part of the current model ive always preached that we need to be able to prosecute a political agenda that moves Ghana towards a united government,” he said.
Alan Kyerematen, an independent presidential hopeful, has revealed that he strongly advocated for Ghana to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during a challenging economic period.
He made this disclosure as a reaction to critics who say the former minister for trade and industries didn’t speak up when the economy was in a dire situation on Citi TV.
Alan Kyerematen indicated that the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, often provided excuses about potential solutions to the country’s economic challenges.
According to him, he was the one who made a strong case for Ghana to seek assistance from the Bretton Woods Institutions (IMF).
“If a party takes a decision, does it require the minister of trade and industry to be speaking of corruption when the minister of finance is there? I was not appointed to the job of minister.
“I can put it on record that and the minister of finance cannot deny this, and the vice president himself cannot deny this as well. I was a member of the economic management team and the people who have been part of this system will tell you that I was the one who at the time when it became clear that the numbers were so bad, made a strong case that we are not going to listen to the wailing of the minister of finance again,” he stated.
Alan Kyerematen (R) and President Akufo-Addo (L)
He continued, “Always giving excuses about what he can do to turn it around and all that, I made a strong case that the minister for finance has no basis for going around saying that we will not go to the IMF because he is unable to provide any alternative. I told them that where we were at the time, we had no choice but to go to the IMF if they were true.
He further pointed out that when the President eventually decided toseek assistance from the IMF, he was the first high-ranking official to publicly defend the decision
“So, when the president finally made the decision, I was the first person in a leadership position who went publicly to defend the position of the IMF. Did you hear the vice president or the finance minister come to defend the IMF?”
Ghanaian hiplife artiste Belinda Nana Ekua Amoah, known by her stage name Mzbel, has proposed that Alan Kyerematen consider using a lion rather than a butterfly as the logo for his political organization, the Movement for Change.
Mzbel argued that butterflies, while attractive, have poor night vision and limited defenses, making them vulnerable to predators. She suggested that a lion, symbolizing strength and courage, would better represent the ideals of transformation, hope, and positivity that Kyerematen aims to convey with his emblem.
She made the remarks in response to Alan Kyerematen’s declaration that he was severing relations with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and starting his political outfit.
“This symbol di3 someway… Butterflies are gorgeous but cannot see well in the dark and are subject to predators. The butterfly also is not very strong and has few defense mechanisms from prey. A lion maybe? I beg oo just a suggestion lol,” she wrote on Facebook.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has responded to comments made by independent presidential hopeful Alan Kyerematen, following his recent exit from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In his inaugural public interview since his departure from the political party he co-founded in 1992, Alan Kyerematen delivered a firm message to Chairman Wontumi, reminding him of the past assistance he provided.
Alan also recounted the initial encounter between himself and Chairman Wontumi, along with the subsequent events that led to him personally introducing Chairman Wontumi to the party’s leadership, advocating for his acceptance into the party.
“Who brought Wontumi to the party? Today, Wontumi is going round making all kinds of noise. If he has someone to thank, it should be Alan Kyerematen. I’m the one who held his hands to the party. Who is Wontumi?
“There are some things we should not be saying but we have been quiet for too long. I brought Wontumi to the NPP and I brought him to the party for a good reason. He was a small-time businessman. Today, when we are talking about party issues, Wontumi is the one dictating,” he said in Twi.
In a statement dated Tuesday, September 27, 2023, Chairman Wontumi contested the assertion, labeling it a clear and deliberate untruth.
Released by his Special Assistant, Andy Owusu, the statement argued that Alan Kyerematen’s statements lacked accuracy, as Chairman Wontumi had been a member of the NPP before their initial encounter.
“Although Chairman Wontumi was once a staunch supporter of Mr. Kyerematen, it is never true that he brought him (Chairman Wontumi) to mainstream politics or political limelight. As a matter of fact, Chairman Wontumi became the NPP Constituency Chairman of Bosomtwe as a staunch loyalist of Nana Akufo-Addo. It was during his time as the Bosomtwe Constituency Chairman that he met Mr. Kyerematen.
“And it was actually the current District Chief Executive for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Hon. Rebecca Yeboah, popularly known as ‘Sister Bantama’, who was at the time a member of the NPP Volunteer Media Communication, who took Chairman Wontumi to the residence of the then NPP Constituency Chairman for Asokwa, Mr. Robert Asare Bediako, where he met Mr. Kyerematen. During their meeting, someone recorded and leaked the engagement to the then opposition leader, HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” the statement said, a 3news.com report stated.
The statement went on to make additional rebuttals, stating that not only did Alan Kyerematen and other prominent figures, including the incumbent president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, fail to endorse his candidacy, but they also did not lend their support to his election campaign.
“Indeed, 100% credit goes to the late Dr. Amoako Tuffour so far as the successful regional chairmanship bid of Chairman Wontumi is concerned. Chairman Asare Bediako, Agya Sei and my good self, Andy Owusu who was the Campaign Manager at the time, also played various instrumental roles in the campaign.
“I will conclude by stating that, Mr. Kyerematen’s claims of introducing Chairman Wontumi to political limelight, and making him Constituency Chairman and subsequently, Ashanti Regional Chairman are palpable falsehoods and must be treated with the contempt they deserve,” the statement added.
Former presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has slammed the party’s national organizer, Henry Nana Boakye, for his recent comments in reaction to his breakaway from the party.
Henry Nana Boakye poplularly referred to as Nana B, has challenged some of the claims by Mr Kyerematen, when he said fuelled the reason for his exit from the NPP.
According to Mr Kyerematen, the party has been hijacked by some individuals, whom he says frustrated himself and supporters in the party’s recent electoral process to elect a flagbearer for the 2024 elections.
But Nana B said the former Minister of Trade and Industry had to “orchestrate” and “conjure” some of his reasons just to make them sweet to the ears of Ghanaians.
“For me some of these assertions are not backed by facts,” Mr Nana Boakye said on Ghana Tonight on TV3 on Monday, September 25.
“They are not backed by evidence. So I think that yes he intended to leave, so certain reasons must be orchestrated and conjured so that he will hang these personal decisions, the rationale behind it, on the orchestrations and conjecturings.”
In response to the recent cricitism, Mr Kyerematen belittled Nana B, stating that he cannot make such unfounded comments as he was nowhere to be found when he joined the party.
“You Nana B, when did you join the NPP. You Nana B when did you come for you to utter such controversial comments.”
He added: “I pick my fights. If you say something I think is false, I will address it.”
Meanwhile, former Trade Minister, he will contest for the office of president as an independent candidate in 2024 with his new party, Movement for Change.
Mr Kyerematen was among the contenders for the NPP flagbearer position, but on September 5, he declared his withdrawal from the race, citing reasons such as electoral irregularities, unfair treatment, and bias during the super delegates’ conference held on August 26, 2023.
Mr Kyerematen first resigned from the party in 2008 following alleged attacks on his supporters after the NPP held its 2007 presidential primaries.
Mr Kyerematen has been an active member of the NPP following its establishment in 1992. He was part of a group of young dynamic Business Executives and Professionals came together to establish the Young Executives Forum (YEF) that became the financial backbone of the Party and provided significant financial resources to support the Party in all its endeavours, including the seed fund for the purchase of the Party’s first national headquarters building.
Proposing himself as this alternative to the prevalent two-party system in the country, Kyerematen stated that, if elected as an independent president, he would seek out leaders from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“This will be a watershed development in the history of Ghana.
To get an independent candidate as president will be the best thing that happened to Ghana because here, we have a referee who is an honest broker between one elephant and one umbrella; two parties fighting, who brings the two together, and who can appoint ministers from both the NDC and the NPP,” he explained.
Alan Kyerematen made this known during an interview on TV3 on Tuesday, September 27, 2023.
Alan Kyerematen announced his divorce from theNew Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday, September 25, 2023, declaring his intention to still become president of Ghana, but as an independent candidate.
Leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has announced that the majority of ministerial positions within his government will be occupied by the youth.
He revealed that those between the ages of 25 and 45 years will make up 60 per cent of his ministers.
In an interview on TV3’s New Day show on Wednesday, September 27, he said; “The commitment I want to make it that at least 60 percent of ministerial appointments will be made for young people between the ages of let’s say 25 or 23 to 40, 45.”
According to the former Trade Minister, it is his dream to have a cabinet dominated by young people.
“That is the kind of cabinet I’ll like to have,” he said.
Also, Mr Kyerematen announced his plans to consolidate some of the ministries to enable him to run a lean government.
He assures that his government will be one that comprises all competent individuals, irrespective of whatever political party they affiliate with.
In a Twitter post on Tuesday, September 26, the former Trade Minister pledged that “when I am elected as President, Ministers and other key Government officials will be appointed from ALL PARTIES, and shall also include individuals who are APOLITICAL but have a demonstrable and proven track record of performance, in their field of specialization.”
He also noted that he will promote the establishment of a Government of National Unity, “which will include people from all walks of life, irrespective of their political, religious, and ethnic affiliations: rich or poor, able-bodied or physically challenged, young or old, women and men.”
Mr Kyerematen has therefore called on every Ghanaian citizen to join him in his movement.
I am working on a plan to consolidate some of the ministries so that we run a lean government. 60% of ministerial appointments will be made for young people – Alan Kyerematen#TV3NewDaypic.twitter.com/m900UurmQA
Former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen has refuted claims that he had always planned to abandon the New Patriotic Party over unresolved issues.
Such claims have arisen following Mr Kyerematen’s second departure from the ruling party. On September 25, Mr Kyerematen announced his exit from the party owing to a number of reasons including a change in the party’s virtues and challenges with its electoral process.
But in an interview on TV3, Mr Kyerematen noted that it was his initial desire to utilize the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the platform through which he could promote and execute his vision for the nation if elected president.
However, due to the challenges he encountered within the party, he ultimately decided to part ways.
“I have been very staged about how I have positioned myself over the years,” he told Berla Mundi on the New Day show on Wednesday, September 27.
“I would have wished to use the party, but for various reasons, I have decided that I will go directly to the people of Ghana,” he added.
When he announced his second resignation from the NPP, Mr Kyerematen said that he had come to the realisation that his contributions were no longer needed in the party.
He said this followed the harsh treatment meted out to his supporters by the party.
“Persons associated with me are treated with disdain and outright outcast.”
He accused the leadership of the NPP of skewing the internal elections in favour of one particular aspirant.
In 2008, Mr Kyerematen resigned from the party owing to challenges with the 2007 presidential primaries were he lost to now President Akufo-Addo.
TV3’s morning show host, Cookie Tee, has expressed her disbelief and disappointment at the decision of Alan Kyerematen, the former Minister of Trade and Industry, to resign from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and contest the 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate.
Speaking on New Day on Monday, September 27, 2023, Cookie Tee said that Kyerematen’s reasons for opting out of the NPP were not convincing, as they were the same ones he gave in 2008 when he lost the party’s presidential primaries to Nana Akufo-Addo.
“It is so interesting because the same reasons he stipulated for opting out now are the same reasons he gave out in 2008 that his supporters were victimised, they were brutalised. The same thing that happened 2007 to 2008, is the same thing that has happened here,” she said.
She questioned why Kyerematen had kept quiet about the problems facing the country until now, when he was part of the administration that had been in power since 2017.
“We were in this country when GUTA closed shops for two weeks in Accra and Kumasi and you were trade minister. We have been sitting here, inflation hit 54%, what did you say? I mean, that is why I find it weird that you are all part of an administration, and then all of a sudden, when you feel that it is okay, you want to opt out and then now start pointing the things that have gone wrong and how they can be fixed. But how about when you were there?” she asked.
She also challenged Kyerematen’s appeal to the youth, who he claimed would support his new movement, called “Movement for Change”, with a Monarch Butterfly as the symbol.
“When you were there, what did you do for the youth? Because now it’s like you are the leader, you are our leader and you are asking us to support with technology, digitalisation and all that,” she said.
Cookie Tee’s comments came after Kyerematen officially announced his resignation from the NPP and his intention to run as an independent candidate at a press conference at the Movenpick Hotel on Monday afternoon.
He said he was dissatisfied with the way the party had treated him and his supporters over the years, and accused the party leadership of being biased and unfair in the selection process of the presidential candidate.
He said he had a vision to transform Ghana into a prosperous and inclusive nation, with a focus on industrialisation, job creation, social protection, and human development.
He said he believed that his new movement would attract millions of Ghanaians who were disillusioned with the two major political parties, NPP and NDC, and wanted a change in leadership and governance.
I find it weird that you are all part of an administration, and then all of a sudden, when you feel that it is okay, you want to opt out and point out things that have gone wrong and how they can be fixed, but how about when you were there? – @TheCookieteeGH#TV3NewDaypic.twitter.com/qVjV2rKRUa
Former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen has faulted the current government over the mode in which it implemented the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) programme.
NABCO was introduced by the Akufo-Addo led administration in 2017 as part of measures to address graduate unemployment in the country.
The initiative which temporarily employed thousands of youth, was run under seven modules: Educate Ghana, Heal Ghana, Feed Ghana, Revenue Ghana, Digitize Ghana, Enterprise Ghana, and Civic Ghana.
The program, however, collapsed in 2022 despite government assurances to make the beneficiaries permanent employers.
Reacting to the issue that has left many youth dissatisfied, Mr Alan Kyerematen noted that the programme was not sustainable in the first place owing to its structure.
The initiative which temporarily employed thousands of youth, was run under seven modules: Educate Ghana, Heal Ghana, Feed Ghana, Revenue Ghana, Digitize Ghana, Enterprise Ghana, and Civic Ghana.
According to Mr Kyereman in an interview on TV3, stated that it would have beneficial if the funds invested into NABCO programme was channeled to companies participating in the One District One Factory programme to provide more job opportunities to the youth.
The NABCO programme could have been better designed – Alan Kyerematen speaks about how he feels about the initiative.#TV3NewDaypic.twitter.com/f5w3cjcaiU
“The NABCO programme itself could have been better designed. For example, the amount of money that was put into NABCO. If we have given the same amount to let’s say the companies in the One District One Factory for people who would be employed, that would have been a more sustainable way of utilizing the skills of these personnel.
“I don’t think the NABCO programme would have been sustainable anyway. It grieves my heart. It is unfortunate that they have gone through this programme with a promise of transitioning to permanent jobs. But it ain’t gonna happen.
“If that same money had been given to the private sector as an incentive to employ these same people, I think it would have been a better business model.”
When asked if he had informed the incumbent government of his views on the programme, he noted that “we had different views on this.”
He added: “We have an oath of secrecy that we sign as Cabinet Ministers and I don’t think this is the right forum for us to say who said what and our different views on programmes”
Thousands of beneficiaries have since not been been paid 8 months arrears of stipends.
The Aggrieved Nation Builders Corps (NABCo) Association threatened to stage a protest if the Ministry of Finance failed to settle their 9 months’ arrears by August 31, 2023. Government was not able to make the necessary payments, however, the Association failed to protest as earlier indicated.
Former Abuakwa North Municipal Coordinator of Nation Building Corps (NABCO), Otuo Serebuor, is said to have now resorted to selling salt to earn a living.
Independent presidential candidate, Alan Kyerematen, has indicated that then-chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), late B.J. da Rocha, prior to his death, rendered an apology for describing him as “disruptive factor a stumbling block, and a loose canon if accepted back into the fold of the NPP.”
He claimed that the apology came after he approached and rebuked Rocha over the statement.
“I had just met Da Rocha in Accra on my way to Kumasi and when I arrived, he had already an granted an interview, calling me a disruptive factor. I asked him if he was serious at all because I felt as an elderly person, he should know better. I told him he acted in bad faith. Later on, he called consistently to apologise before his death,” he disclosed on Accra-based UTV.
His comments come after his second resignation from the NPP on Monday, reigniting a statement made about him by Mr. Rocha 15 years ago.
In April 2008, when Mr. Kyerematen resigned from the NPP and there were attempts to persuade him to return, Mr. Rocha stated that it would not be in the best interest of the party to welcome him back. His rationale was that Alan could potentially become a ‘disruptive factor in the party, a stumbling block, and a loose cannon.’
Mr. da Rocha was quoted by the Ghana News Agency in 2008 as saying, “the party has an election to win. We should concentrate our efforts on the task ahead and let him go his way in peace.”
Some individuals believe that Alan Kyerematen’s second resignation, stemming from the fallout of the August 26 Super Delegates Conference, validates the late NPP stalwart’s earlier statement.
However, Mr. Kyerematen has expressed frustration over how his sacrifices for the party have been used against him.
Throwbackto the incidence between Alan Kyeremanten and BJ da Rocha in 2008
When Alan Kyerematen resigned from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in April 2008, and attempts were made to bring him back into the fold, a former Chairman and elder of the NPP, Mr. B. J. da Rocha, made a prediction.
Mr. B. J. da Rocha stated that admitting Mr. Alan Kyeremanten back into the NPP would not be in the best interests of the party.
His reason was that he could become a “disruptive factor in the party, a stumbling block and loose cannon”.
“The party has an election to win. We should concentrate our efforts on the task ahead and let him go his way in peace,” Mr da Rocha said in a report filed by the Ghana News Agency in 2008.
It is now official, following the personal confirmation by Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen that he was going to contest the 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate.
Alan officially submitted his resignation letter indicating he was no longer interested in being a member of the NPP on Monday [September 25, 2023].
Immediately after that, he addressed a press conference and announced his decision to contest 2024 as an independent candidate.
He is now forming a movement, called “Movement for Change” with a Monarch Butterfly as the symbol.
This is a big blow to the governing New Patriotic Party as the move would greatly affect the unity of the party going into Election 2024.
The NPP has been at the helm of affairs in governance since January 7, 2017, and hoping to break the eight-year cycle of change of government which usually alternates between the NPP and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The speculations about Alan Kyerematen’s resignation and independent presidential ambition intensified over the weekend and got NPP members jittery after a poster announcing his planned press conference at the Movenpick Hotel on Monday afternoon was released by his aides and supporters.
In fact, the speculations had actually started earlier, before September 5, 2023, the day he announced his withdrawal from the current NPP presidential race.
Alan was shortlisted as part of the top five candidates who were going into the final selection on November 4, 2023, but some people believed that he would have lost the November 4 election, considering the popularity gained by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and Kennedy Ohene Agyapong as the leading candidates in the Special Super Delegates conference.
Alan placed third in the August 2023 Special Delegates conference having garnered less than 100 votes out of the over 900 votes.
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, considered by some as a “non-presidential” material who entered the NPP presidential race just recently beat Alan, who had been in the race for more than 16 years.
Alan’s name first came up in 2005 as the replacement for the then President John Agyekum Kufuor who was retiring on January 6, 2009, as the leader of the NPP.
In 2007, Alan contested with 16 other candidates and came second, as Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo [now President of Ghana] beat him and became the leading candidate. Akufo-Addo has led the party since 2007 as the first presidential choice and has subsequently beaten Alan Kyerematen in other NPP presidential primaries.
President Akufo-Addo is retiring on January 6, 2025, hence the NPP is looking for a replacement.
President Akufo-Addo’s vice, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has shot up as the next preferable choice, with many party members throwing their support behind him. He garnered a convincing endorsement of over 50 percent votes at the special delegates conference held in August 2023.
The larger Electoral College of the NPP will on November 4, 2023, select the next leader.
However, Alan Kyerematen expressed his unhappiness with the process that led to Dr. Bawumia’s convincing victory in the Super Delegates Conference.
Some of Alan’s aides alleged that the presidency was supporting Dr. Bawumia behind the scenes and also influencing delegates clandestinely.
To Alan, his spokespersons and supporters, it was Alan’s time to lead the NPP, having waited for over 16 years for his turn and that it is not time yet for Dr. Bawumia whom they claim only joined the race recently. They wanted Alan to lead after which Dr. Bawumia could have also taken the baton.
Supporters of Bawumia however think otherwise, and argue that since it was a contest, they should allow the delegates to decide who leads the party.
Second time Alan is quitting NPP
Feeling bitter about the loss in the 2007 presidential primary and what he described subsequently as being sidelined, Alan, in 2008 resigned from the NPP in a similar move but was politically coerced and later rejoined the party.
But while those discussions were underway to bring Alan back to the NPP, former Chairman and elder of the NPP, Mr. B. J. da Rocha [deceased] sounded this caution.
Former Trade Minister and Independent candidate, Alan Kyerematen, has recounted series of events pertaining to how he had to confront a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), late BJ da Rocha, regarding his approach to resolving tensions at that time.
According to Alan, BJ da Rocha requested to meet him in Accra while he was en route to Kumasi. He proposed that they meet to discuss and investigate a letter of resignation he had submitted.
The former member of the NPP said he provided him with a detailed account of the events that led to his resignation at the time.
However, upon his arrival in Kumasi, he was surprised to discover that da Rocha had already granted an interview where he accused him of being a “disruptive factor a stumbling block, and a loose canon if accepted back into the fold of the NPP.”
“When I had the opportunity, I confronted him frontally and asked him if he was serious at all because I felt as an elderly person, he should have known better. I told him he acted in bad faith. Later on, he called consistently to apologise before his death,” the former trade minister stated.
The presidential aspirant who placed third during the party’s Super Delegates Congress will contest the 2024 election as an independent presidential candidate.
He explained “My decision to contest as an Independent Candidate will not destroy the Party, but instead provide the Party an opportunity to participate in a Government of National Unity in the future, and avoid the risk of going into opposition with no dividends, in what arguably will be a difficult general election in 2024.
Former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen has clarified that his resignation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was not carried out secretly.
He made this statement during an appearance on the New Day show with Berla Mundi on TV3, addressing criticisms of his departure being described as “clandestine.”
In response to the NPP’s expressed disappointment regarding the way he resigned from the party, Kyerematen explained that he had informed the national chair of his intention to resign.
The NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, had stated that Kyerematen’s decision seemed “premeditated” due to his announcement without prior notice to the party.
Before Kyerematen’s resignation on September 25, the National Chairman of the party, Stephen Ayesu Ntim, had a significant meeting with him, during which Kyerematen reportedly affirmed his dedication to the party. As a result, the public announcement of his decision was seen as a betrayal by some party members.
Kodua Frimpong urged NPP supporters to stand firm and demonstrate determination as they approach the 2024 elections, emphasizing the importance of unity and reaffirming their commitment to the party.
In addition to leaving the party, Kyerematen also declared his intention to run as an independent presidential candidate in the 2024 elections.
Former presidential aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyerematen, appears unperturbed by the defection of several prominent figures from his political camp within the ruling party.
Following his resignation from the ruling party, several individuals who registered their support for Mr Alan Kyerematen ahead of the NPP primaries slated for November 4 have all rescinded their support.
Former Tourism Minister, Catharine Afeku, has made it clear that she is not aligning herself with Alan Kyerematen’s decision to resign from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and run as an Independent Candidate in the 2024 elections.
Catharine Afeku, who actively supported Alan Kyerematen has emphasized her commitment to remaining a member of the NPP and has no intentions of joining any other political party.
Also, Deputy Finance Minister, Abena Osei-Asare and Member of Parliament for the Mpraeso Constituency, Davis Ansah Opoku, have distanced themselves from Alan’s camp citing loyalty to the party as reason.
But reacting to this development, Mr Kyerematen says he is unperturbed, as this move comes as no surprise to him.
According to the leader of the Movement for Change, this was anticipated as such individuals are riding on the influence of the party to enter or retain their seat in Parliament. In his words, such individuals have “no choice” but to abandon the Alan camp
In an interview on TV3 on Wednesday, he said: “Why would you be surprised. These are people who are Parliamentarians. They in Parliament on the ticket of the NPP. I have exited from the party to contest and an independent candidate. Why should they still want to be outside the party. I don’t see it as anything negative.
“If I wanted to create a new party to have MPs to contest, I could have done that. But if they have to stay within the party I don’t have a problem. They actually have no choice unless they are going to abandon their constituents which I don’t encourage. How many are Parliamentarians. Whether parliamentary candidates or Parliamentarians, how many votes are we taking about. This is a general election.”
He, however, noted that “the only challenge I’ll have is when somebody who is working with me will go out and make negative comments. Other than that, I think they deserve the right to stick with the party.”
Meanwhile, recent reports also have it that members of the campaign team of Alan Kyerematen in the Northern Region have declared support for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
The group says that following Mr Kyerematen’s resignation, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia now stands as the best candidate to lead the NPP into the 2024 election, hence their resolve to support him.
“All signs show that the vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who is also contesting will win. We have to work for the party. We will surely work with him and make sure that he gets the nod and continue to work for NPP to win power in 2024,” Chabite Moses Moye, an administrator of the Alan campaign team in the region stated.
Leader of the Movement for Change, John Alan Kyerematen, has noted that one of the initiatives his administration would see to is the review of the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme.
According to him, this has become imperative as the cost of implementing the “excellent” programme has become a challenge.
In an interview on TV3, the former Trade Minister noted that the government’s budget has been hit hard owing to the programme, hence the need for a more sustainable financing mechanism.
“Normally, for program implementation, after five years, you need a review. So in my own thinking, I feel that it is an excellent idea. We have made a lot of progress in terms of school enrollment. Fantastic results. But then the cost associated with the implementation of the Free SHS has had a significant impact on our national budget. And so if we are going to continue with the programme, we have to find a more sustainable financing mechanism for it,” he said.
On the matter, Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Kumah, has debunked speculations about the government’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy burdening public purse.
He clarified that the expenditure on Free SHS is not a significant factor compared to the country’s overall budget and highlighted that the real concern is the nation’s debt.
In a recent interview before the 2023 mid-year budget review, Dr. Kumah emphasized that the allocation for Free SHS in the 2023 budget was GH¢2.9 billion, while the entire appropriation for the year amounted to GH¢228 billion.
“It’s not true that Free SHS is a huge elephant in the room. The allocation for Free SHS in the 2023 budget was GH¢2.9 billion, and the entire appropriation for the year was GH¢228 billion. You cannot tell me that if you are spending GH¢2.9 billion out of GH¢228 billion, that is the elephant in the room. And this is covering over 1.3 million Ghanaian children. The elephant in the room is our debt, the interest payments we made.
“The impact and benefits of Free SHS go to the core of the vulnerable and, of course, the future of the human resource of our country. And for me, that is non-negotiable,” he stated.
He argued that spending GH¢2.9 billion out of GH¢228 billion could not be considered the “elephant in the room.” Moreover, he stressed that the Free SHS program was instrumental in benefiting over 1.3 million Ghanaian children and was crucial for the vulnerable sections of society.
Leader for the Movement for Change, John Alan Kyerematen, has indicated that his quest to becoming president of the Republic is hinged on one condition.
In an interview on TV3 on Wednesday, the former Trade Minister notes that his presidency is assured only if Ghanaians take time out of their busy schedules to be abreast of his Great Transformational Plan (GTP).
Some issues his GTP hopes to address include indiscipline, disrespect for the rule of law, and arrogance of power.
“I’ve six areas of behavioral change that I’ve proposed under my GTP. But the lack of discipline is so pervasive.
Disrespect for the rule of law. This is another one. Arrogance of power. It is not just politicians. People at different level. You go to a government agency and somehow people think that they are doing you a favour. I’ve scoped all that out in my blue print. It is a great plan.”
He therefore said: “If people would just listen to me and read my plan, they will make me President.”
The GTP is anchored on these pillars:
1. Building a strong macroeconomic environment which will be characterized by a stable currency, low inflation, sustainable debt levels, revenue optimization, tight expenditure control, low competitive interest rates, strong external reserves, backed by high levels of liquidity to support the financial sector.
2. Introduce a New Agricultural Revolution (NAR) for Ghana, which will first take advantage of both local, regional and global markets; Secondly, be driven by technology, innovation and cutting-edge research; Thirdly, optimize value for farmers through value chains; and fourthly promote economies of scale through large scale commercial farming.
3. Promoting Industrial Transformation through value addition and the establishment of strategic anchor industries to diversify the Ghanaian economy. This will also involve the establishment of Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zones, as well as the aggressive promotion of Small and Medium Scale enterprise development.
4. Accelerated Infrastructure Development: Promoting Private sector financing for public infrastructure such as Roads, Railways, Ports and Harbours, Water Supply Systems, Public Housing etc. This will reduce Government’s exposure to the financing of such infrastructure projects.
5. Digital Mainstreaming: Mainstreaming digitalization in all Government and Public sector activities, and bringing digital technologies to the doorstep of the ordinary Ghanaian.
6. Energy Security and Diversification: placing greater emphasis on the development of renewable sources of energy, including but not limited to nuclear and hydrogen energy. This will require fast-tracking the execution of Government’s energy transition strategy.
7. Health: Expanding Health infrastructure and services by enhancing private sector participation in health service delivery across the country, as well improving the viability of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
8. Education: Undertaking a comprehensive review of existing reforms in the educational sector, particularly the Free SHS programme to ensure optimum efficiency and effectiveness in its implementation. Government will pay special attention to institutionalizing the link between industry, academia and educational institutions, and reinforce the importance of apprenticeship and internship. Considering the critical importance of early childhood development, a major thrust of Government’s new interventions in the educational sector, will be to improve basic education in all its form and nature, including but not limited to physical infrastructure, learning facilities, teacher training and curriculum development.
9. Tourism: Encouraging private sector investments in the development of world class tourism infrastructure, and also taking steps to leverage the tourism potential in each district and region of Ghana. In addition, my Government will facilitate air travel for tourists coming into the country by providing free visas including Visas on arrival. Finally, the development of the creative industry in Ghana will be the backbone of the new reforms in the tourism industry. This will include but not be limited to impactful reforms in the following creative industries; Film, Dance, Theatre, Music, Literature and Multimedia Arts.
10. Natural Resource Management: Developing and implementing a comprehensive programme for the management of Ghana’s Natural resources. This will include but not be limited to Oil & Gas; Solid Minerals; Water & Marine resources; and Land and Forest resources. As a target, there shall be no export of raw materials from Ghana in any form or nature, without a minimum of 60% value addition by the year 2030. This will usher in Ghana’s decade of industrial transformation, spanning the year 2025 to 2035.
11. Decarbonization and Climate Resilience: Scaling up Government’s current efforts at reducing Ghana’s carbon footprints and facilitating access to the carbon trading markets, as well as establishing mechanisms to strengthen the country’s preparedness against the negative effects of climate change and climate variability.
12. National Security and Defence Optimization: Deploying resources to strengthen National Security and Defence Mechanisms and Infrastructure, to deal substantively with emerging security threats and challenges, particularly in the Sahalian region.
13. Downsizing Government: Overhauling the architecture of the public service in Ghana by consolidating some existing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. This will lead to a lean Government structure that will ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of Government services, and also reduce cost to the National Budget.
14. Strategic Engagement with the International Community: Restructuring Ghana’s diplomatic and economic relations with the International Community, based on the principle of ‘positive neutrality’, with a focus on promoting the strategic interests of Ghana, as well as our shared commitment to humanity and the preservation of peace around the world.
15. Sports: Investing in world class new generation sports facilities in selected competitive sporting disciplines. In this regard, Government will encourage the participation of the private sector in the development of sports infrastructure around the country, including sports academies.
Former presidential aspirant for the New Patriotic Party, Alan Kyerematen has noted that he gave an amount of GHS500,000 to the party to ensure the creation of a genuine voter album ahead of the NPP primaries.
However, the money given, he said, was not used for the intended purpose as the voter album lacked credibility.
He made this revelation during an interview on UTV following his resignation from the ruling party.
“When we started this election, 10 people aspired for the flagbearership position, I said when this election is not fair, there will be issues. It is fair, no one would have any issues. So to ensure fairness, ensure that the album to be used for election is genuine and has no challenge. I paid half a million Ghana Cedis, GHS500,000 which could have been used to support someone’s business. I gave it to the party to ensure the album has no issues,” he said.
According to him, he realised at a point that the party was not seeking to provide a genuine album, hence drew the attention of the party’s chairman. However, none of his concerns were addressed.
“All the measures brought by the party, I realized that they don’t want to have a genuine album. I wrote a letter to the Chairman noting this there will be problems. I went to his house to inform him. Chairman assured me that the challenges would be resolved. They never said anything up till date. The credibility of the voter album was in doubt.”
Due to some of these challenges, Mr Kyerematen has parted ways with the NPP and seeks to contest for the highest position in the land as an independent candidate.
The leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has mentioned some strategic measures he would be taking to ensure the country benefits from its human resources.
According to him, his government would be one that comprises all competent individuals, irrespective of whatever political party they affiliate with.
In a Twitter post on Tuesday, September 26, the former Trade Minister pledged that “when I am elected as President, Ministers and other key Government officials will be appointed from ALL PARTIES, and shall also include individuals who are APOLITICAL but have a demonstrable and proven track record of performance, in their field of specialization.”
He also noted that he will promote the establishment of a Government of National Unity, “which will include people from all walks of life, irrespective of their political, religious, and ethnic affiliations: rich or poor, able-bodied or physically challenged, young or old, women and men.”
Mr Kyerematen has therefore called on every Ghanaian citizen to join him in his movement.
“In particular, for the youth of Ghana, this is your chance to take control of power and authority in this country and shape the course of your own future,” he added.
I invite every Ghanaian citizen to join me in this Movement. In particular, for the youth of Ghana, this is your chance to take control of power and authority in this country and shape the course of your own future.
Prominent Ghanaian media personality, Kofi Okyere Darko, known as KOD, has composed a poem dedicated to the former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen. Alan Kyerematen recently made headlines by announcing his candidacy as an independent candidate for the upcoming 2024 presidential elections in Ghana.
During a press conference held on September 25, Alan Kyerematen articulated his vision for bringing about change in Ghana, particularly for the youth, through the establishment of a new Movement for Change. This decision came after his resignation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
KOD shared the poem he crafted in honor of Alan Kyerematen on his official Facebook page. The poem, which metaphorically depicts a butterfly breaking free from its cocoon and embarking on a journey in the world, has been interpreted by many as a reflection of Alan’s departure from the NPP and his aspiration to run independently in the upcoming elections.
The poem has generated widespread attention, sparking discussions about Alan Kyerematen’s independent candidacy and its implications.
Below is an excerpt of the post.
“In gardens kissed by morning’s gentle light,
A butterfly emerges, takes its flight.
From cocoon’s cradle, it breaks free, anew,
Embarking on a journey bright and true.
With fragile wings, it flutters through the air,
A symbol of rebirth, a sight so fair.
Its colors dance like rainbows in the sky,
As it explores, so graceful, so high.
The world unfolds, a canvas for its dreams,
In every petal and in crystal streams.
Each flower’s nectar, a sweet, tempting call,
Invites the butterfly to savor all.
So, let us learn from this winged friend’s grace,
As we begin our journey, find our place.
Like butterflies, we too can start anew,
In every dawn, our dreams can take their cue.
With courage, spread your wings, embrace the chance,
On September 25, former presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyerematen announced his resignation from the ruling party during a press conference, where he revealed that he would be contesting the 2024 presidential elections as an independent candidate.
Following this, the New Patriotic Party, during a press conference moderated by its General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, disclosed that Mr Kyerematen failed to inform the party of his intentions ahead of this significant move.
He said the party was disappointed and distressed by his failure to engage the party. According to Mr Frimpong Kodua, this gives the assertion that his resignation was premeditated and irrevocable.
In response to the party’s statement, Mr Kyerematen said he found no need to inform the party of his decision as he is an independent individual capable of making rational decisions.
“I went to a contest, and after my review of the contest, I decided to exit the party. I don’t have to inform anyone.
“I am an established man, and I don’t take instructions from people. I might look younger, but I’m an elderly man,” he said on Accra-based UTV.
Mr Kyerematen argues that his services are no longer needed by the ruling party.
“Under the circumstances and given the context provided, I wish to use this platform to announce that I am honourably resigning with immediate effect 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 in his speech.
Here @AlanKyerematen says there was a plan to make him NPP enemy no.1 when at the launch of the party's 2008 campaign, the MC said all party leaders were there except Alan Kyerematen who had traveled He says he was in his office and was shocked after he turned TV on 2/6 pic.twitter.com/xaKcRewBzn
Former presidential aspirant for the New Patriotic Party, Alan Kyerematen, has disclosed that he contacted President Akufo-Addo prior to his resignation from his role as Trade Minister during his second term in office.
On January 6, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen resigned from his position as Minister for Trade and Industry. He served in the portfolio since 2017. He left the position to pursue his presidential ambitions.
In an interview on UTV, the founder of the Movement for Change noted that he personally visited President Akufo-Addo at his residence to communicate his intentions so as to safeguard the president’s legacy.
According to him, the President welcomed his resolution to exit his government.
“When I was about to resign from government I informed him, I told him, big brother this is all the help I can give. Please, I am excusing myself from the position, and this is why I am doing so and he was cool with that, before I even a letter to him. I have a good relationship with him.
“I intentionally went back to him, asking him to understand that living government to contest that I am doing that to protect his legacy. So I don’t have issues with him,” he said.
On September 25, Mr Kyerematen announced his resignation from the ruling party during a press conference, where he revealed that he would be contesting the 2024 presidential elections as an independent candidate.
Following this, the New Patriotic Party, during a press conference moderated by its General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, disclosed that Mr Kyerematen failed to inform the party of his intentions ahead of this significant move.
According to Mr Kyerematen, he found no need to inform the party of his decision as he is an independent individual capable of making rational decisions.
“I went to a contest, and after my review of the contest, I decided to exit the party. I don’t have to inform anyone.
“I am an established man, and I don’t take instructions from people. I might look younger, but I’m an elderly man,” he said on Accra-based UTV.
Independent presidential hopeful, Alan Kyerematen, has addressed a well-known letter penned in 2008 by the late B.J. da Rocha, who was then the chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In the letter, Mr. da Rocha expressed the view that Alan Kyerematen should be allowed to exit the party if he desired, as he was considered a disruptive force within the organization.
According to a Ghana News Agency report from that period, the chairman, B.J. da Rocha, believed that in addition to being a “disruptive factor in the party,” Alan Kyerematen was also regarded as “a stumbling block and loose cannon” within the organization.
“The party has an election to win. We should concentrate our efforts on the task ahead and let him go his way in peace,” Mr da Rocha said in the GNA report.
Alan Kyerematen has provided a detailed account of the events surrounding his confrontation with the late chairman regarding his approach to resolving tensions at that time.
“I had just met Da Rocha in Accra on my way to Kumasi and when I arrived, he had already an granted an interview (i.e. issued a statement), calling me a disruptive factor.
“When I had the opportunity, I confronted him frontally and asked him if he was serious at all because I felt as an elderly person, he should have known better.
“I told him he acted in bad faith. Later on, he called consistently to apologise before his death,” he disclosed on Accra-based UTV on September 26.
The previously mentioned statements by B.J. da Rocha have reemerged in light of Alan Kyerematen’s second resignation from the NPP on Monday.
Alan Kyerematen’s decision to run as an independent candidate was announced on September 25 when he officially severed ties with the NPP. This decision came after his withdrawal from the NPP’s flagbearer race, which reportedly stemmed from challenges encountered during a Super Delegates Conference held within the party in August 2023.
In his official statement regarding his resignation and independent candidacy, Alan Kyerematen explained, “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.”
Watch video
I have not seen and heard @AlanKyerematen like this because he spoke passionately as he feels he's been wronged and story twisted to cause him disaffection He says BJ Da Rocha apologized to him before his death
Former Trade Minister Alan Kyeremanten has revealed that he did not formally inform Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, about his departure from the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He characterizes this decision as a personal one, emphasizing that he did not feel compelled to notify anyone because he operates independently and does not take instructions from others.
“I went to a contest, and after my review of the contest, I decided to exit the party. I don’t have to inform anyone.
“I am an established man, and I don’t take instructions from people. I might look younger, but I’m an elderly man,” he said on Accra-based UTV.
Alan Kyeremanten officially announced his resignation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on September 25, 2023. He cited the reason for his decision as feeling that the political party no longer required his services.
“Under the circumstances and given the context provided, I wish to use this platform to announce that I am honourably resigning with immediate effect 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 in his speech.
Former Presidential aspirant for the New Patriotic Party, Alan Kyerematen, has disclosed that he contacted President Akufo-Addo prior to his resignation from his role as Trade Minister during his second term in office.
On January 6, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen resigned from his position as Minister for Trade and Industry. He served in the portfolio since 2017. He left the position to pursue his presidential ambitions.
In an interview on UTV, the founder of the Movement for Change noted that he personally visited President Akufo-Addo at his residence to communicate his intentions so as to safeguard the president’s legacy.
According to him, the President welcomed his resolution to exit his government.
“When I was about to resign from government I informed him, I told him, big brother this is all the help I can give. Please, I am excusing myself from the position, and this is why I am doing so and he was cool with that, before I even a letter to him. I have a good relationship with him.
“I intentionally went back to him, asking him to understand that living government to contest that I am doing that to protect his legacy. So I don’t have issues with him,” he said.
On September 25, Mr Kyerematen announced his resignation from the ruling party during a press conference, where he revealed that he would be contesting the 2024 presidential elections as an independent candidate.
Following this, the New Patriotic Party, during a press conference moderated by its General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, disclosed that Mr Kyerematen failed to inform the party of his intentions ahead of this significant move.
According to Mr Kyerematen, he found no need to inform the party of his decision as he is an independent individual capable of making rational decisions.
“I went to a contest, and after my review of the contest, I decided to exit the party. I don’t have to inform anyone.
“I am an established man, and I don’t take instructions from people. I might look younger, but I’m an elderly man,” he said on Accra-based UTV.
A former New Patriotic Party (NPP) New Juaben North Chairman, Mr. Kwadwo Boateng-Agyemang, believes that former Trade Minister, John Alan Kyerematen only joined the ruling party to pursue his presidential ambitions.
He has joined the many individuals who have criticised Mr Kyerematen for resigning from the party for the second time.
According to Mr Boateng-Agyemang, there are party faithful who have made valuable contribution but have not resigned over challenges. He is of the assertion that the former Trade Minister should have ironed out his issues with the party instead of resigning.
“In this game of ours, everyone has made contributions. Some have done more than others. Those who have contributed more than you but have been unfairly treated, did such people leave”
“I’m interrogating his statement. Nana Addo in 1998, what did he not go through during the process. So if you behave like a spoilt child when someone offends you, that’s not how it works.
“It is clear to us that from Day 1, you just wanted to become president. From 1992, 1996, 2000, 2007, even when we were in the wilderness even in opposition, you compete. This is his second resignation. You resigned and the party brought you back. You even contested after you were brought back in 2012,” he said in an interview on UTV.
Mr Kyerematen on September 25, announced his resignation from the New Patriotic Party. He cited challenges with the party’s electoral process as one of the reasons for his resignation.
During the 1996 Presidential Primaries, Mr Kyerematen contested alongside leading personalities in the Party such as Professor Adu Boahen, Mr. J. A. Kufour, Dr. Dsane-Selby, Dr. Kwame Sarfo Adu, Mr. J.H. Mensah and Dr. Jones Ofori-Attah.
According to him, he was prevailed upon by some senior members of the Party, in particular, Mr. Akenten Appiah Menka and Mr. Stephen Krakue, both of blessed memory, to sacrifice the opportunity to contest for the leadership of the Party, and rather support my senior colleague aspirants.
He noted that from 1996 to 2000, he played a leading role in supporting the bid of the then candidate John Agyekum Kufour to win the general elections, and become President of the Republic in 2001.
Following the elections, Mr Kyerematen says he was offered a Cabinet minister position, which he declined.
“After refusing appointment as a Cabinet Minister in the aftermath of the elections, the President persuaded me to become NPP’s first Ambassador to the United States, a position I served with distinction,” he said.
Mr Kyerematen made this revelation when he announced his resignation from the NPP today, September 25, 2023.
In 2003, Mr Kyerematen was appointed as Minister for Trade and Industry and Presidential Special Initiatives, to implement a new economic paradigm which he had introduced in 2001, on the assumption of office by President Kufour.
Between 2003 and 2007, he led the government’s programme for enhancing private sector development and ushering in a Golden Age of business in Ghana.
According to Mr Kyerematen, since 2007, he and his supporters have been attacked by some members of the party.
It is clear that Alan Kyerematen joined the NPP with the sole aim of becoming President – Kwadwo Boateng Agyemang #UTVGhanapic.twitter.com/hYHZ3EN1LN
Host of Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana, Paul Adom-Otchere, has made a prediction regarding Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, who recently resigned from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to pursue the presidency as an Independent Candidate.
Mr Adom-Otchere anticipates that as the 2024 election campaign intensifies, Alan Kyerematen may fade into obscurity in the eyes of voters.
Adom-Otchere’s analysis suggests that if Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia secures the NPP’s flagbearer position, the upcoming election will primarily revolve around a fierce competition between Bawumia and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.
On Monday, September 25, Alan Kyerematen formally resigned from the NPP to embark on his independent candidacy for the presidency.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr Adom-Otchere said, “I can tell you that by the time the campaign hits a crescendo, if Dr Mahamudu Bawumia becomes the NPP’s candidate, with the kind of campaigning he does, which he’s going to do. When the campaign reaches a crescendo, and it’s John Dramani Mahama versus Dr. Bawumia, people will even forget that Alan Kyerematen is contesting.
“It’s going to be a stiff election, it’s going to be brutally fought. And nobody will remember that there’s a third candidate. I can assure you of that, we still need time to see how Alan’s campaign will pan out”.
Adom-Otchere also conveyed his opinion that although certain Ghanaians, including youth from both the NPP and NDC, might express their support for Alan Kyerematen on social media platforms, they may ultimately choose not to cast their votes in his favor during the 2024 elections.
“An NPP youth person will feel that voting for Alan means throwing his vote away, so they are more likely to vote for their party. NDC people on the other hand are a bit frightened by the break of the 8, they don’t want the 8 to happen.
“They certainly want the 8 to be destroyed. They want the NPP out, they want their candidate to win. So NDC youth are not even going to pay attention to potentially vote for Alan. They may support him on social media. They will support him in rhetoric but in terms of casting the ballot, they will vote for John Mahama,” he said.
Alan cited the intimidation of his supporters and the increasing divisiveness within the party as among the reasons for his resignation.
Leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has revealed that he actively advocated for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, to assume the role of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) regional chairman.
Kyeremanten explained that chairman Wontumi had approached him with a keen interest in Ghanaian politics in 2015 after he drew inspiration from him.
Acknowledging Wontumi’s commitment and determination, Kyeremanten wasted no time in helping Wontumi secure significant positions within the party.
“I personally introduced him to the Bosomtwe constituency because he claimed to be from there. I was the one who lobbied for his position as chairman. During that period, I held a prominent position in the party, so he became chairman based on my recommendation,” Alan expressed.
Meanwhile, Chairman Wontumi has ordered the removal of all campaign materials of Alan Kyerematen in the area.
Chairman Wontumi, as he is popularly called said he will ensure the region is rid of all posters, billboards, and other advertisements of the former Trade Minister.
This is as a result off Alan Kyerematen’s resignation from the NPP and decision to contest as an independent presidential candidate in the upcoming 2024 elections.
