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Former Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, has sent shockwaves through Ghana’s political landscape by resigning from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and declaring his candidacy as an independent contender in the upcoming 2024 presidential elections. The respected politician cited a departure from the party’s founding principles and a need for transformational leadership as his primary motivations.
In a public address on Monday, 25th September, 2023, Kyerematen stated, “I am honourably resigning from the New Patriotic Party with immediate effect, to contest for the high office of President of the Republic of Ghana in the 2024 elections as an independent candidate.” He expressed his deep concern over the current state of the NPP, noting that it bore little resemblance to the party he had helped establish as a founding member.
Kyerematen unveiled his new movement with the motto “Ghana Will Rise Again” and emphasized that it would be driven by the youth of Ghana. He pledged to sign a “Citizens Contract” with the people of Ghana, committing himself to a relentless campaign against corruption, a critical issue that has plagued the nation’s progress.
“The pride of being Ghanaian is a development imperative,” Kyerematen asserted, emphasizing the need for transformational leadership at this pivotal juncture in Ghana’s history. He lamented the party’s perceived hijacking by unscrupulous individuals and expressed a feeling that his contributions to the NPP were not duly recognized.
Kyerematen also commented on pressing national issues, particularly the employment crisis that he viewed as a growing national security threat, citing recent demonstrations as evidence. He raised concerns about the skewed nature of the 2023 NPP Super Delegates Conference and highlighted his achievements as Trade Minister, including initiatives such as “1D,1F” and the rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The former minister criticized the decisions of the National Council as “unmeritorious and unconstitutional” and reaffirmed his belief in the founding values of fairness, equity, probity, accountability, and transparency upon which the NPP was established.
Furthermore, Kyerematen expressed his unwavering commitment to the youth of Ghana, emphasizing their potential as the country’s future. Alarming statistics revealed that 85% of Ghana’s prison inmates fall within the 12 to 35-year age bracket, a situation he deemed profoundly troubling.
Kyerematen’s decision to run as an independent candidate has added a new dimension to the political landscape in Ghana, setting the stage for a highly competitive 2024 presidential election. As he embarks on his independent journey, his promises of anti-corruption efforts and youth empowerment are likely to resonate with a broad spectrum of Ghanaian voters.
