Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, former Minister for Trade and Industry and long-standing member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has taken a bold step by resigning from the NPP and announcing his independent candidacy for the 2024 presidential election.
This move has generated significant interest and speculation in Ghana’s political landscape. In this analysis, we will examine the potential implications of Kyerematen’s independent presidential bid on the upcoming election.
Background: Kyerematen’s Political Journey
Alan Kyerematen’s political journey in the NPP has been marked by ambition, determination, and repeated attempts to secure the party’s presidential ticket. Despite his notable contributions and efforts within the NPP, including serving as the Minister for Trade and Industry, he was unable to secure the party’s nomination in the previous presidential primaries.
Kyerematen’s popularity within the NPP has experienced a decline, as reflected in his diminishing vote percentages in successive NPP presidential primaries. His decision to resign and run as an independent candidate underscores his conviction that he can better serve Ghana at the highest level of executive authority.
The Ashanti Region Factor
One of Kyerematen’s key strengths is his strong connection to the Ashanti Region, where he hails from. His family’s political background and his status as a prominent Ashanti figure have earned him support in the region. The Ashanti Region is traditionally considered a stronghold of the NPP, and any shift in support could have significant electoral consequences.
Historically, Kyerematen’s performance in NPP presidential primaries has shown a correlation with the NPP’s vote share in the Ashanti Region. When he actively campaigned for the NPP’s presidential candidate in 2020, the party’s votes in the region increased. This suggests that Kyerematen’s influence and support in the Ashanti Region could affect the NPP’s electoral performance.
Impact on the NPP
Alan Kyerematen’s decision to run as an independent candidate could pose challenges for the NPP. If he manages to retain significant support in the Ashanti Region, it may result in a reduction in the NPP’s vote share, especially in his stronghold. Political analysts have suggested that Kyerematen’s entry into the race could potentially weaken the NPP’s chances of retaining power in the 2024 election.
However, it is essential to consider historical data that shows independent candidates have performed poorly in Ghana’s elections. Kyerematen’s popularity and political clout may set him apart from previous independent candidates, but the odds remain against him.
The Honest Broker and Change Agent
Alan Kyerematen has portrayed himself as an “honest broker” who aims to bridge partisan divides and work collaboratively with individuals from all political backgrounds. He has expressed a desire to offer fresh solutions to Ghana’s challenges and facilitate cooperation among different political parties.
While his intentions may be genuine, the practicality of such an approach in Ghana’s highly competitive and polarized political landscape remains to be seen. Achieving political consensus and cooperation is a complex task that goes beyond individual aspirations.
Alan Kyerematen’s independent presidential bid has injected a new dynamic into Ghana’s political arena. His candidacy will be closely watched, and its impact on the 2024 election cannot be underestimated. While his influence in the Ashanti Region and his personal attributes may give him a unique position among independent candidates, history suggests that the odds are stacked against him.
The 2024 presidential election will ultimately be decided by the Ghanaian electorate, and Kyerematen’s fate will depend on his ability to resonate with voters across the country. As the political landscape evolves, only time and posterity will provide answers to the questions surrounding his candidacy and its potential outcomes.