Alan Kyerematen: the former Political Insider now posing as an outsider

"After 32 years of shared governance between the NPP and NDC, what they have managed to achieve cumulatively is the kind of economic stagnation we see today."

Those were the words of Alan Kyerematen, one of the leading candidates of the 2024 general elections in Ghana on one of his campaign outings.

Kyerematen's political journey began in 1992 as a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), where he played a pivotal role in shaping the party’s policies and strategies. His expertise in trade and industry led to his appointment as Minister of Trade and Industry twice - first from 2003 to 2007 under President John Agyekum Kufuor, and again from 2017 to 2023 under President Nana Akufo-Addo. During his recent role, he launched the "One District, One Factory" initiative, aimed at driving industrialization and creating jobs across Ghana.

 Despite the promising trajectory of his career within the NPP, Kyerematen resigned from the party, after placing third in the first round of the NPP's presidential primaries in September 2023, citing a lack of appreciation for his contributions and concerns over the party's current trajectory. He announced his intention to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election, forming the "Movement for Change (MFC)" to challenge the traditional dominance of the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

As a former political insider, Alan has transitioned into a role that positions him as an outsider, challenging the status quo of Ghana's political landscape. His journey from a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to a self-styled independent candidate is a fascinating narrative of ambition, discontent, and the quest for relevance in a polarized political environment.

Now, as he positions himself as an independent candidate, he aims to attract voters who feel neglected by both the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). His campaign is built on the premise of offering a fresh alternative, one that promises to break the cycle of political patronage and inefficiency that has characterized Ghanaian politics for decades. However, the question remains of the viability of his chances in the upcoming election?

Kyerematen faces significant challenges. The entrenched party structures of the NPP and NDC are formidable, and breaking through this political duopoly will require not only a compelling message but also substantial resources and grassroots support. His past affiliations may also haunt him, as some voters may question his commitment to genuine change after years spent within the political establishment.

If the MFC leader does not secure a significant share of the vote, the aftermath could be telling. A loss could diminish his political capital and raise questions about his future in Ghanaian politics. However, should he manage to galvanize a substantial following, he could emerge as a key player in future political negotiations, potentially positioning himself as a kingmaker or a voice for reform.

His candidacy poses a unique challenge to both the NPP and NDC, as he seeks to capture the discontent of voters yearning for a new direction. Whether he can translate this discontent into electoral success remains to be seen, but his presence in the race undoubtedly complicates the dynamics for both major parties. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on Alan to see if he can indeed become the catalyst for the change he so fervently advocates.

Follow the General Election in Ghana on @ghanaelections