Alan Kyerematen resigns from NPP again, goes independent

Former Trade and Industry Minister Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has resigned from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and opted to contest the 2024 presidential elections as an independent candidate.

He said to actualise his goal; he would establish and lead a “new Movement for Change in Ghana.”

“The brand logo for the Movement is the Monarch Butterfly, which politically symbolises change and transformation, hope, and positivity.

“It also communicates strength, endurance, spirituality, and trust, which are key traits that I cherish as a Political Leader,” he stated.

Alan Kyerematen  catalogued grievances dating as far back as 2007 to date as evidence that his services and contributions to the Party are not appreciated.

In view of this, he said his continuous stay in the Party will create further tension and division, the exact re-enactment of circumstances that led to his decision to resign from the Party in 2008.

He is of the view that the NPP as it exists now has very little resemblance to the Party that he joined in 1992 and helped to nurture.

Alan Kyerematen  alleged that 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.”

2007 presidential primaries

According to him, in the 2007 presidential primaries, the electoral process was truncated on the day of the election, on account of accusations levelled against him, of influencing the course of the elections.

In his view, this strategy was designed to create disfavour against him, in an attempt to diminish his popularity and the massive support he enjoyed amongst the grassroot activists of the Party.
He said despite stepping down to avoid a run-off and supporting Nana Akufo-Addo, hostility and brutality toward him and his supporters did not stop.

Alan Kyerematen noted that when several complaints he made to then leadership of the Party were not heeded, he resigned.

He disclosed that after he resigned, a committee established upheld his concerns but promises made to address them for which reason he rescinded his resignation were never fulfilled, and indeed the divisive and hostile attacks on his person and his supporters remained for several years thereafter, and have continued to date.

National Council accused of bias

Alan Kyerematen  expressed disappointment in the National Council of the NPP’s handling of issues he raised before and after the Super Delegates Conference of the party in August 2023.

According to him, in the run-up to the Super Delegates Conference, the National Council of the Party made some of the most controversial and contentious decisions in the history of the Party.

He cited the rejection of a petition signed by nine out of the ten aspirants, requesting for the Super Delegates Conference to be held in one location, as well as allowing each Delegate to the Conference to nominate five persons, instead of one, in line with the provisions in the Party’s Constitution.

He claimed that the level of intimidation and monetization that characterized the Conference is unprecedented in the history of internal elections of the Party.

Alan described the pervasive employment crisis as gradually becoming a national security threat pointing out that public sector employment is not an option, with an already over-bloated public service.

He boasted that he is the leader who can guarantee the economic and industrial transformation of Ghana, the restoration of confidence in political leadership, and the unification of an increasingly divided nation.

However, the former Trade Minister insisted he remained committed to the ideals of the Party, adding, his resignation was to save the NPP from the risk of going into opposition.

“I wish to use this opportunity to assure the rank and file of the New Patriotic Party that I still cherish my relationship with you, and I am committed to the ideals of the founding fathers of the Party,” he said.

Change the political status quo by moving Ghana beyond the duopoly of the two main political parties in Ghana; the NPP and NDC. 

This will break divisive partisanship in governance in Ghana, and bring an end to the “winner takes all” political syndrome.

In addition, there is the need to promote reforms in the internal democratic processes and procedures of all political parties, such as introducing ‘One Man One Vote’ (OMOV) to ensure inclusiveness, and reduce the effect of monetization in politics.

The principles underpinning national elections must be reflected in the electoral process of political parties in Ghana.

Promote the establishment of a Government of National Unity.

It will include people from all walks of life, irrespective of their political, religious, and ethnic affiliations: rich or poor, abled-bodied or physically challenged, young or old, women and men.

 This will allow for effective and inclusive participatory governance. The MOVEMENT will lead to the formation of a Government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Build consensus on a National Development Agenda 

Introduce a new paradigm shift that moves Ghana from growth and stability to economic transformation.

This paradigm shift will be driven by my Great Transformational Plan (GTP) for Ghana, which puts the private sector and the business community at the center of our national development efforts.

Enforcement of Discipline

We as a people should appreciate the need for maintaining discipline in all spheres of our national lives, including changing our attitude to work.

A War against Corruption:

Corruption, particularly from the public purse, denies our country the benefit of utilizing its tax revenue and other resources for the development of our country.

All sections of Ghanaian society should wage a vigorous war on corruption, through a combination of legal and institutional reforms, the application of technology including artificial intelligence, blockchain technology and data analytics, as well as maintaining societal pressure against corruption, and leading by example.

If elected as the President of the Republic, I will sign a “Citizens Contract” with the people of Ghana, committing to wage a relentless war against corruption.

 Arrogance of Power:

As I have stated on previous occasions, the arrogance of power has been a major obstruction to progress in our country. People in positions of authority must understand that leadership is an opportunity to serve the people, and not to lord over them. In servant leadership, humility is an asset and not a weakness.

Passion for Excellence  

As a country, we must celebrate competence and excellence and not mediocrity.

Advancement in the public sector in particular, must be based on meritocracy and not patronage and protocol.

Putting square pegs in round holes has been the biggest challenge for service delivery at every level in our governance structure.

A significant shift in this regard, will allow the best talents in our country, particularly the youth, to be deployed to achieve optimum performance in various institutions and organizations.

Solution Based Thinking and a Focus on Execution

 As a people, we must focus more on ‘getting things done’ and finding solutions to problems, rather than spending time on excessive and needless debates.

Making Laws Work in Ghana

The lack of compliance and disrespect for laws, rules, and regulations in Ghana, is a major stumbling block for national development. As a people, we must commit ourselves to the sanctity and rule of law, to ensure peace, law, and order in our society.

 Patriotism

The pride of being Ghanaian and promoting good citizenship, as well as patronizing goods made in Ghana, is a development imperative.