A former trade and industry minister of Ghana, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has quit the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), sending shockwaves across the political landscape. Kyerematen, who was widely seen as a potential successor to President Nana Akufo-Addo, announced his resignation in a letter to the party’s national executive committee on Monday. He cited personal and professional reasons for his decision but did not elaborate further.
His departure has sparked speculation about his political future and the impact on the NPP, which is facing a tough challenge from the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 general elections. Some analysts say Kyerematen’s exit could weaken the NPP’s chances of retaining power, as he was a popular figure among the party’s grassroots and had a strong appeal to the business community. Others suggest that his resignation could be a strategic move to position himself as an independent candidate or to join forces with another party.
The NDC, meanwhile, has welcomed Kyerematen’s resignation as a sign of the NPP’s internal crisis and a wake-up call for the opposition to intensify its preparations for the 2024 polls. A former deputy minister of the Upper West Region, Abu Kasangbata, said in a statement that the NDC should not be complacent or overconfident, but rather focus on addressing the needs and concerns of ordinary Ghanaians.
He urged the party to showcase its achievements under former President John Dramani Mahama, who is expected to run for a third time in 2024.
He also advised the party to build a compelling vision for Ghana’s future that resonates with the electorate and emphasizes its commitment to democratic ideals, transparency, probity, accountability, and good governance. According to a recent opinion poll by Mussa K. Dankwah, Mahama leads the race for the presidency with 48.3 percent of the vote, followed by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia with 28 percent and Kyerematen with 11.3 percent.
However, Kasangbata cautioned that political fortunes could change rapidly and that the NDC should work harder than ever to reclaim power from the NPP. He also downplayed the NPP’s mantra of “breaking the eight”, which refers to its ambition to rule for more than two consecutive terms, a feat that has never been achieved in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. He said the NPP has failed to deliver on its promises and has plunged the country into massive debts, high inflation, currency instability, youth unemployment, and high cost of living.
He said the NDC’s strength lies in its enduring values, unmatched leadership, and commitment to Ghanaians. He expressed optimism that with unity and hard work, the NDC will emerge victorious in 2024 and restore hope and dignity to Ghana.
Source: [Ghanaweb]
