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Story by: James Kumi-Korsah
In a move that is already sending ripples through Ghana’s political landscape, accomplished economist, lawyer, development consultant, and former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen, officially filed his nomination yesterday to contest the 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate under the Afrafranto Alliance. This filing marks exactly one year since he announced the formation of the Movement for Change on 25th September 2023, following his high-profile resignation from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Alan Kyerematen’s departure from the NPP, where he was a founding member, initially sparked speculation about his political future, with many questioning whether he would pursue an independent path. Yesterday’s nomination filing confirmed his decisive break from the political status quo, signaling his intention to lead a new era of transformative leadership focused on the national interest.
Backed by the Afrafranto Alliance, comprising nine political organizations and parties, Mr. Kyerematen’s candidacy presents a bold challenge to the longstanding dominance of the NPP and NDC, which have held power since the advent of the Fourth Republic. His campaign, founded on the Great Transformational Plan (GTP), contrasts with the manifestos of the major parties. Mr. Kyerematen reiterated yesterday that their promises have consistently failed to deliver sustainable economic development and good governance. He insists his administration will offer not just rhetoric but an actionable blueprint aimed at restructuring the economy, fighting corruption, and fostering national unity.
As part of his governance reforms, Mr. Kyerematen has proposed establishing an Anti-corruption Czar with prosecutorial powers to bring public officials, including the president, to account. This bold initiative, where the Czar would not be appointed by the president, has resonated with many Ghanaians disillusioned with the pervasive corruption in government. Furthermore, his plan to create a second Chamber of Parliament, empowered to oversee executive actions and participate in approving appointments to independent constitutional bodies, has garnered significant attention as a critical step toward strengthening democratic oversight.
Running independently is a high-stakes political move, but Mr. Kyerematen believes it is essential to break what he describes as the alternating eight-year cycles of NPP and NDC state capture, which have resulted in stagnant leadership. His proposed government of national unity aims to move Ghana beyond the divisive partisanship that has hindered the nation’s progress, drawing support from various political, social, and economic groups.
Alan Kyerematen’s independent candidacy could significantly reshape Ghana’s political landscape. Growing disenchantment among Ghanaians, particularly the youth, has fueled frustrations with the current system. Having served in top government roles and gained international recognition for his work with the United Nations and African Union, Mr. Kyerematen is positioning himself as the best candidate with the experience and vision to address Ghana’s deep-seated issues. His GTP offers a comprehensive solution to the nation’s economic and governance challenges, distinguishing his candidacy from the major parties.
Mr. Kyerematen’s appeal, especially to younger voters, could prove decisive. With rising unemployment and waning public confidence in the NDC and NPP, his independent run is being viewed as a credible alternative. With a proven track record in job creation both domestically and internationally, Alan Kyerematen offers hope for an economic and governance model focused on national interests rather than party loyalty. He emphasized that Ghana needs more than a manifesto but a strategic plan with capable leadership to execute it.
As Mr. Kyerematen filed his nomination, the Afrafranto Alliance is expected to build a broad coalition of disaffected voters, civil society organizations, and grassroots movements eager for change. His candidacy is set to reshape the political dynamics of the 2024 election, challenging the dominance of traditional parties and offering voters a real choice between the status quo and a transformative vision for Ghana. The country, which has turned to the IMF twice in the last decade under both NPP and NDC rule, may now be ready for leadership that promises lasting solutions to its economic challenges – stability, growth, resilience, and prosperity.
Alan Kyerematen’s journey, having been virtually forced out of the NPP by a faction that took over the party after 2008, has drawn comparisons to the biblical story of Joseph. Just as Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, unaware it was part of a divine plan for him to rise as Egypt’s Prime Minister to save the world from famine, many believe Mr. Kyerematen’s political struggles have positioned him to rescue Ghana from its current hardships.
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