Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has shockingly withdrawn his candidacy as far as the flagbearership slot of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) is concerned.
He made the announcement in a statement dated September 5, 2023. The core point of his seemingly lengthy speech indicates that the race seems to be deliberately skewed to favour one of the candidates.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
“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”.
Four people are still competing in the race, which is scheduled for November 4. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, former Minister of Agriculture Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former Mampong MP Francis Addai-Nimoh are among them. On September 6, voting is anticipated to take place.
Days ago, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen issued a firm warning to all stakeholders within the party, stating that he will not tolerate any future attacks on his supporters. This warning comes in response to an incident that occurred at the Super Delegates’ Conference on August 26th, where his Polling Agent in the North East Region, Ali Zakaria, was struck in the eye. The party’s regional branch has described the incident as exaggerated.
Zakaria was immediately taken to the Baptist Medical Center for treatment, but had to be transferred to Accra for further medical attention. Kyerematen, who placed third in the elections, visited Zakaria at Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital and expressed his concern over the attack. He labeled the incident as an act of total indiscipline, adding that it tarnishes the image of the NPP.
Kyerematen has warned that such behavior will not be tolerated in the future. He emphasized the need for peaceful and organized elections within the party, questioning how they can successfully conduct the same process with a larger number of people gathered.
He expressed his dissatisfaction with the incident, stating that the party should not ignore what had occurred. The Elections Committee has already met with Kyerematen regarding the incident, and spokesperson Alexander Afenyo-Markin has mentioned that a one-on-one engagement will be arranged.
While Kyerematen did not comment on the meeting, he condemned the attack as an act of total indiscipline and indecent behavior. He questioned how a decent party can oversee such behavior, especially at the level of super delegates.
