Ghana’s former trade minister, Alan Kyeremanten, has announced his resignation from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and his intention to run as an independent candidate in the next presidential election in December 2024. Kyeremanten, who has served as trade and industry minister under President Nana Akufo-Addo for two terms, said the party did not appreciate him and that a select group of leaders and elders had hijacked it. He said he would lead a new youth-led movement to challenge the status quo.
Kyeremanten’s decision has divided the NPP, which is yet to name its candidate to succeed Akufo-Addo, who will step down after serving two terms. It is widely believed that Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia will be put forward by the party. Kyeremanten had already withdrawn from an internal contest in November 2020 to elect the party’s candidate over allegations of irregularities in the selection process.
Kyeremanten’s move comes when the NPP faces dwindling support as it grapples with the worst economic crisis in a generation, brought on by spiraling public debt and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, protests over soaring prices and other economic challenges led to clashes with police and pushed authorities to ask the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for help. The government has since focused on restructuring debt and reducing its spending to gain access to a $3 billion, three-year IMF loan program. But critics say authorities have done too little to help those struggling to make ends meet as economic growth slows.
Two parties have ruled Ghana since transitioning from military to democratic rule in 1992 – the NPP and the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) party. The NDC has not yet announced its candidate for the 2024 election, but some analysts say former president John Mahama, who lost to Akufo-Addo in 2016 and 2020, may run again. Mahama has accused the NPP of mismanaging the economy and failing to deliver on its promises.
Kyeremanten, 67, is a veteran politician and economist with various positions in government and international organizations. He was Ghana’s ambassador to the United States from 2001 to 2003 and deputy director-general of the World Trade Organization from 2004 to 2005. He has also been involved in several initiatives to promote trade and development in Africa, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Kyeremanten said he was confident he could win the support of Ghanaians looking for a change and a better future. He said he would offer a vision of inclusive growth, social justice, and good governance. He also said he would address the challenges of climate change, insecurity, and corruption. He hoped his candidacy would inspire more young people to participate in politics and contribute to Ghana’s development.
Source: Reuters
