Alan Kyerematen was one of the five Aspirants who wanted to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2023 presidential elections. But he made an announcement in a statement dated September 5, 2023, indicating his withdrawal from the race.
“In light of the foregoing, I wish to confirm that I am honourably withdrawing from the process that will lead to the Presidential Primaries to be held on the 4th of November 2023. In the next upcoming weeks, I will provide an indication of the role that I will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with my family and other well-wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups,”
According to him, the Special Delegates Conference held on August 26, 2023, did not go well for him. The conference was meant to reduce the number of Aspirants from ten to five, based on the votes of 955 selected delegates. Alan Kyerematen felt that the conference was rigged in favour of one particular Aspirant, who had the backing of some influential party members.
He has therefore decided to withdraw from the race, citing a lack of fairness and transparency in the process. He said that he did not trust that the next round of elections, scheduled for November 4, 2023, would be any different. He expressed his disappointment and frustration with the way the party was being run by some self-serving individuals.
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“The level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly, unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions, is unprecedented in the history of our Party.”
“In addition, the fact that my Polling Agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eyesight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the Party. This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other Voting Centers, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable. I am committed to and value the safety of those who work with me and for me, and I will always fight for their interest.”
He thanked his supporters for their unwavering faith and also wished the other aspirants well.
“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 teeming supporters in Ghana and from around the world, who have supported me in diverse ways over the years. Please be assured that the battle is still the Lord’s and that those who wait upon the Lord shall have their strength renewed”.
The NPP flagbearer race is now left with four Aspirants; Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, and former Agric Minister Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto.
Alan Kyeremanten would become the second aspirant to withdraw from the race. One will recall that, Boakye Agyarko, former energy minister who was scheduled to face Francis Addai-Nimoh in the runoff, resigned from contesting on August 31. Citing constitutional concerns and unfair changes in the rules of the election. He said that he could not be part of a process that violated the party’s constitution and guidelines and that he refused to make such an impermissible concession.
