The adage “If you can’t beat them, join them” is gradually catching up with certain key followers of former Trade and Industry Minister Alan Kyerematen following his withdrawal from the New Patriotic Party’s flag-bearer contest on November 4, 2023.
Some notable personalities who openly campaigned for Mr. Kyeremanten, including Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro MP, Sylvester Tetteh and former Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Catherine Afeku, have joined the Vice President’s team to vigorously campaign for him to win the upcoming Presidential Primaries scheduled for November 4.
Myrepubliconline.com is reliably informed that other members of Alan Kyeremanten’s team will soon join Dr. Bawumia’s campaign.
It is not surprising to see some followers of one group join another when their leader fails to finish the race. It is obvious that those who cannot win against some group should stop fighting and instead band together with them.
Catherine Afeku, a member of Alan Kyerematen’s campaign team, expressed her new stance citing discussions with party elders and personal contemplation as the driving factors behind her decision.
She emphasized her dedication to the NPP and her commitment to serving the party’s best interests.
“I have spoken with some elders, and I have also slept and thought about it, I am serving my party, but I have to make a decision, and I throw my support, my energy, my talent, and everything to Dr. Bawumia.
“I have decided to use my energy, my talent, my speaking skills, and my personality (to support Bawumia),” she said in an interview on Adom FM
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, Sylvester Tetteh said it is obvious that the New Patriotic Party rank and file support the candidature of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, and to that extent, he, in consultation with his constituents, has decided to join Team Bawumia.
“It is obvious from the campaigns that we have waged, and I have engaged extensively with my constituents, people within and without, and I think I am making a firm commitment that I will support Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the 4 November elections,” the Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro lawmaker said.
The four aspirants left in the race are; Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Afriyie Akoto and Francis Addai-Nimoh.
Alan Kyeremanten’s withdrawal from NPP’s Presidential Race
The former Trade and Industry Minister made this known in a statement on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
Mr. Kyerematen who placed third in the party’s super delegate congress raised several concerns regarding the election process adding that the violent incidents including the assault of his agent in the North East region speak badly about the party.
Formally announcing his withdrawal from the race, Mr Kyerematen said, “The question I keep asking myself is, “How did we get here as a Party in the first place, and how far are we prepared to tread on this dangerous path to self-destruction?”
“Regrettably, I am not convinced that the circumstances I have referred to earlier, will not persist or even be escalated in the next round of elections, for which balloting is scheduled for Wednesday, 6th of September 2023.
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”.
He also disclosed that he will in the upcoming weeks provide an indication of the role that he will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with his family and other well-wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups.
