Former Minister of Trade and Industry of Ghana, Alan John Kyerematen has pulled out from the New Patriotic Party( NPP)’s race to contest for the flag bearer ship of the party.
Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, one of the hopefuls vying for the flagbearer position in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has officially withdrawn from the competition.
In a statement dated September 5, 2023, he stated, “Considering the circumstances, I want to announce my honorable withdrawal from the process leading up to the Presidential Primaries scheduled for November 4, 2023. In the upcoming weeks, I will determine the role I will play in Ghanaian politics, following consultations with my family, well-wishers, various stakeholders, and interest groups.”
Mr. Kyerematen, who secured third place in the party’s special delegates conference on August 26, cited the intimidation of agents as a significant factor in his decision to step away from the race.
Mr. Kyerematen publicly railed against the violence that took place during the Super Delegates’ conference of the party in its attempt to reduce the number of aspirants to 5 out of 10.
The candidate Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has raised concerns about the fairness of the race and alleged intimidation tactics used against delegates during the recent party elections. He expressed dismay at the level of intimidation directed at delegates across the sixteen regions and highlighted a distressing incident where his polling agent in the North East region suffered severe eye damage while ensuring compliance with election rules. Kyerematen denounced such acts of violence and collusion as unconscionable and despicable.
As a result of these issues, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has chosen to withdraw from the race, wishing the remaining aspirants success in their bid to lead the party in the 2024 elections.
He stated, “I wish all the other aspirants well as they continue on their journey. I also wish to use this opportunity to express my profound gratitude once again to my family, the Alan 4 President (A4P) Campaign Team, and all my supporters in Ghana and worldwide who have supported me in various ways over the years. Please be assured that the battle is still the Lord’s, and those who wait upon the Lord shall have their strength renewed.”
With Alan Kyerematen’s withdrawal, the presidential race now includes Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, former Agric Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh. The balloting is scheduled for September 6.
It’s worth noting that Boakye Agyarko, who initially faced a run-off election with Francis Addai-Nimoh, chose to refrain from the contest, citing concerns about the process and its alignment with the party’s constitution. His decision was communicated in a letter dated August 31, 2023, addressed to Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, Chairman of the NPP’s Presidential Elections Committee.
Emmanuel Mawuli
Writer
