Ghana’s minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, on Thursday, January 5, resigned from his position after months of rumours.
While president Akufo-Addo has publicly accepted his resignation, the specific reason for his action is not yet apparent. However, a section of Ghanaians believes that he has decided to focus on his own presidential ambition, especially with the next election so close. The president has asked the Finance minister who is himself under fire due to the country’s economic situation to act as caretaker in the meantime.
Reaction from the public suggests that the minister’s action is to stay clear of the current administration’s mess, a tactic that some citizens think is a bit too late.
Presidential Ambition
Since 2007, the 67-year-old politician has attempted to lead the New Patriotic Party as flagbearer on multiple counts. He lost to Nana Akufo-Addo. Mr. Kyerematen tried again in 2010 and 2014 but failed again.
With Akufo-Addo’s term of office ending in 2024, he has become one of the predictable candidates to lead the party aside from the current vice president, Dr. Mamamudu Bawumia.
His term of office as the trade minister has largely been free of scandals, a record he is trying to keep to make him a favourable presidential material. Since 2018, he has supported the government’s One District One Factory initiative, which has helped to establish about 170 enterprises across the nation.
Mr. Kyeremanten was presented by Ghana for the position of WTO director-general in 2012, to succeed departing Director-General Pascal Lamy. Although his candidacy received the support of the African Union(AU), he did not make the final shortlist.