Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Senior Campaign Adviser to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has expressed disappointment over Alan Kyerematen’s departure from the party.
Kyerematen, the former Minister of Trade, left the NPP following the party’s internal contest for the presidential candidacy in 2023 and subsequently launched his Movement for Change, declaring his intention to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 elections.
During an interview on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV, Mr Agyepong expressed his feelings about the split, describing it as painful.
He remarked that the division within the party caused by Alan’s decision was unfortunate, especially given the long-standing ties between Kyerematen and the NPP.
Agyepong emphasized that other presidential aspirants, such as Kennedy Agyapong, the MP for Assin Central, have continued to demonstrate loyalty to the NPP and are now campaigning for Dr. Bawumia’s victory in the upcoming elections.
He contrasted this loyalty with Kyerematen’s exit, describing Alan’s departure as “very sad” and suggesting that he should have shown more appreciation for the roles and opportunities the party afforded him throughout his political career.
“I found it very sad, he also had been placed in significant roles. Accumulatively, I don’t think anybody has been a minister in one portfolio for close to 12 years in this country, historically. And then being an ambassador to the US, when the party gives you such wonderful opportunities, I think you should return the compliments.”
The Senior Campaign Adviser to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, acknowledges Alan Kyerematen’s significant role in the electioneering process, admitting that he may still garner some NPP votes.
However, Agyepong emphasised that the party’s primary focus is on securing a victory in the elections, considering it’s too late to extend an olive branch to Alan to rejoin the party.
“Every vote counts, the chances that he will chirp at your votes is important. That is something that confronts us, but that is something we have to deal with. We continue to work hard. You have your competitors but you have to focus on your lane and be hard-nosed and run your best. Because it’s too late now to try to reach out. I was very hurt that happened, but it has happened, we have to deal with it and fight through the elections.
Mr. Agyepong is optimistic that the numerous infrastructure projects initiated by the government will sway voters to support Dr. Bawumia in the upcoming elections.
“I’m very confident that the record of the party especially around the country, the request of the communities, things that matter to people. If you look at the infrastructure that has been delivered. Of course, the far-reaching policy of the Free SHS, which has impacted every household, and places that haven’t seen [asphalt roads] before have seen it.
“The health facilities that have been brought on board. Facilities that have been completed. these are things that matter to Ghanaians.”
