On April 17, 2024, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, a significant figure in Ghanaian politics and the founder and leader of the Movement for Change, took a decisive step towards reshaping the political scene in Ghana. He was appointed the leader of the newly formed Alliance for Revolutionary Change (ARC), a coalition aiming to challenge the long-standing duopoly of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This coalition includes diverse groups like the National Interest Movement, Ghana Green Party, and several others, reflecting a broad spectrum of interests united in their desire for change.
During his announcement speech, Kyerematen introduced a comprehensive six-point strategy designed to transform Ghana’s socioeconomic landscape. His approach focuses on visionary leadership, transformative policies, private sector empowerment, national unity, youth and women’s involvement in development, and a profound change in the national mindset.
1. Visionary Leadership
Kyerematen emphasized the need for leadership that is not only visionary but also accountable, transparent, action-oriented, and compassionate. He vowed to tackle corruption aggressively and ensure that government leadership does not shield corrupt officials. This kind of leadership aims to set a high standard of integrity and effectiveness in public office, promoting a governance culture that is both ethical and results-driven.
2. Transformative Policies
The ARC, under Kyerematen’s guidance, plans to implement wide-ranging transformative policies that touch every sector of society. These include macroeconomic stability, industry, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure development, health, education, sports, and the management of natural resources. Moreover, he highlighted the need for progressive constitutional reforms to enhance governance. The coalition has unanimously adopted the Great Transformational Plan (GTP) from the Movement for Change as the blueprint for these initiatives.
3. Private Sector as Growth Engine
Recognizing the pivotal role of the private sector in economic development, Kyerematen plans to bolster this sector to become the main engine of growth and development in Ghana. This focus extends particularly to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which are often the backbone of a country’s economy.
4. Building a United Ghana:
Kyerematen criticized the divisiveness brought about by the current political duopoly and proposed a new political system to move beyond it. His vision includes eliminating the “winner takes all” syndrome and reducing the arrogance that often accompanies political power. By electing an independent president, he believes Ghana can achieve a more inclusive, representative, and consensus-driven governance model.
5. Focusing on Youth and Women
With 73% of Ghana’s population under 35 years old, and women making up over half of the populace, Kyerematen stresses the importance of these groups in national development. He advocates for policies that specifically address the needs and potential of young people and women, recognizing them as critical to the country’s future prosperity.
6. Changing Mindsets
Lastly, Kyerematen calls for a revolutionary change in the attitudes and behaviors of Ghanaians. He identifies detrimental societal behaviors, such as indiscipline, disregard for the rule of law, and an excessive pursuit of wealth, as major barriers to national progress. Transforming these mindsets is essential for fostering a culture that values discipline, legality, and ethical conduct.
In his speech, Kyerematen called on all Ghanaians to rally behind the ARC and support his candidacy as the nation’s first independent presidential candidate. His proposed strategies not only aim to provide a concrete plan for the nation’s advancement but also seek to inspire a shift in the political and social dynamics of Ghana.
By focusing on these six strategic areas, Kyerematen aims to catalyze significant changes that will not only revitalize Ghana’s economy but also restore faith in the political process. The ARC’s comprehensive approach offers a promising alternative to the entrenched political systems, potentially setting the stage for a new era of inclusive and effective governance in Ghana.
Source: Graphic Online
