John Alan Kyerematen, the embattled former Trade and Industry Minister, has resigned from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The presidential candidate who finished third in the party’s Super Delegates Congress will run as an independent presidential candidate in 2024.
On Monday, September 25, he announced his resignation in a well-publicised news conference.
“Fellow Countrymen and Women, under the circumstances and given the context provided, I wish to use this platform to announce that I am honourably resigning with immediate effect from the New Patriotic Party to contest for the high office of the President of the Republic of Ghana in the 2024 General Elections, as an Independent Presidential Candidate.”
He explained “My decision to contest as an Independent Candidate will not destroy the Party, but instead provide the Party an opportunity to participate in a Government of National Unity in the future, and avoid the risk of going into opposition with no dividends, in what arguably will be a difficult general election in 2024.
“You can vote for your preferred choice of NPP Parliamentary Candidate and vote for Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen in the Presidential elections in December 2024, to become the sixth President of the fourth Republic of Ghana.”
Alan’s Movement for Change Party
Mr Kyerematen stated that in order to “actualize this goal,” he will “found and lead a new Movement for Change in Ghana.”
“The brand logo for the MOVEMENT is the Monarch Butterfly, which politically symbolizes 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.
“In Akan, it is known as Afrafranto. The brand motto of the b is “Ghana Will Rise Again,” which symbolizes hope for the future of Ghana.”
The former Trades Minister said, “The new Movement will be led and powered by the youth of Ghana. Out of the over 17 million registered voters in the 2020 general election, the youth aged 18-35, years constituted over 9.4 million voters representing 55% of the total voters.”
“I believe, with unwavering conviction, that I am the only leader who, with unmatched integrity can guarantee the economic and industrial transformation of Ghana, the restoration of confidence in political leadership, and the unification of an increasingly divided nation.
“My unique selling proposition as a leader is Vision, Competence, Integrity and Action.”
Alan and party structures
Mr. Kyerematen had previously explored joining an existing political party with established institutions but had changed his mind for unknown reasons.
His departure from the NPP will be the second time the former NPP flagbearer candidate has left the party, having done so in 2008.
It also indicates his willingness to leave the party if his goal to lead the NPP is not realised.
Mr. Kyerematen resigned from the NPP in 2008 after losing the Presidential primaries to then-candidate Akufo-Addo, claiming harassment of his supporters.
Similarly, he just resigned from the NPP Presidential candidature after coming third in the super delegates’ congress on August 26, 2023, alleging intimidation and an unequal playing field as grounds for his decision.
