Resignation of Alan Kyerematen: A Ripple in Ghana’s Political Landscape

Resignation of Alan Kyerematen: A Ripple in Ghana’s Political Landscape

On September 25, a surprising political development occurred in Ghana as Alan Kyerematen, the former Minister for Trade and Industry, announced his resignation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This decision came as a shock to many, particularly in light of his recent third-place finish at the party’s super delegates conference, a platform for potential presidential candidates.

Reasons Behind the Resignation

Kyerematen cited several reasons for his sudden departure from the party. He claimed to have faced unjust treatment from the NPP for approximately 15 years. The former minister recalled an incident in 2007 where he was accused of attempting to influence the outcome of the presidential primary, which resulted in the process being interrupted. He believes this was a calculated move to tarnish his reputation and reduce his popularity among the party’s grassroots activists.

Furthermore, he expressed concerns about hostility and brutality towards him and his supporters, despite his sacrifices for the party. He alleged that post-primary attacks on his supporters remained unresolved, despite promises made by the party’s leadership.

Kyerematen also expressed his disappointment with the NPP’s National Council. He accused them of disregarding the rule of law and making controversial decisions. He also claimed that they ignored a petition concerning the super delegates conference. This, he alleges, led to the conference being skewed in favor of a specific aspirant.

Change in Party Dynamics

Kyerematen expressed his dismay at the current state of the NPP, claiming that the party’s dynamics had significantly changed. He stated that the party had been taken over by a select group of party leaders, government appointees, and other influential figures. This, he claimed, was a far cry from the party he joined in 1992.

The former minister also highlighted a pressing issue in Ghana: the growing problem of youth unemployment. He stated that over 300,000 graduates enter the job market each year with minimal prospects of finding employment. He described this as a national security threat.

In light of these grievances and concerns, Kyerematen announced his intention to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 elections. His goal? To address these pressing issues and bring about significant changes in Ghana’s political landscape. With this unexpected twist, the future of Ghana’s politics remains uncertain, and only time will reveal the full impact of Kyerematen’s decision.