Hot!
Quite a lot of people will leave NPP for Alan Kyerematen but not in droves – Prof Mensah
Despite the assurances by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the exit of stalwart Alan Kyerematen will have no significant impact on the party, a Political Marketing Strategist believes otherwise.
Prof Kobby Mensah explained on JoyNews’ PM Express that although people join political parties for their ideologies and campaign promises, others also join for the personalities whose ideologies they are attracted to.
Mr Kyerematen for decades has built a relationship with members of the party, the party’s grassroots and his constituency through his continuous vying for flagbearership over the years, he noted.
“There are quite a lot of people that, I suppose, are also connected to the political party because of Alan Kyerematen’s personality, his leadership, his beliefs, etc. Certainly, once he bows out of the party, you’re likely to have others actually following suit. Especially if you look at his track record coming up to this stage, he had actually contested the flagbearer race over a long period of time.”
“It stands to reason that he’s actually created a machinery that actually mobilized and organized people in this country over a long period of time, particularly in the Ashanti Region, which is the NPP stronghold. Now, if he leaves, certainly you’re going to have quite a lot of people leaving,” Prof Mensah stated.
He, however, noted that despite this people will not be leaving the party in droves, especially those that are connected with the party for entirely different reasons.
Prof Mensah indicated that “It is difficult for you to have through and through party people deserting the party and then following you. But you’re going to have quite a number of people also significantly following because of the candidate, the personality, and other kinds of leadership qualities that he brings to the table. I feel that, yes, it’s going to be significant in terms of its impact on NPP.”
This comes after Mr Kyerematen, on Monday, announced his decision to resign from the party with immediate effect and contest in the 2024 election as an independent candidate.
He explained that “My decision to contest as an Independent candidate will not destroy the party, but instead provide the party an opportunity to participate in a government of national unity in the future, and avoid the risk of going into opposition with no dividends, in what arguably will be a difficult general election in 2024.”
Mr Kyerematen said for him to ‘actualise this goal, he will establish and lead a new Movement for Change in Ghana.’
“The brand logo for the MOVEMENT is the Monarch Butterfly, which politically symbolizes change and transformation, hope, and positivity. It also communicates strength, endurance, spirituality, and trust, which are key traits that I cherish as a Political Leader.
“In Akan, it is known as Afrafranto. The brand motto of the butterfly is “Ghana Will Rise Again,” which symbolises hope for the future of Ghana.”
The former Trade and Industry Minister said, “The new Movement will be led and powered by the youth of Ghana. Out of the over 17 million registered voters in the 2020 general election, the youth aged 18-35, years constituted over 9.4 million voters representing 55% of the total voters.”
On whether Mr Kyerematen will be able to sway the hearts of voters, Prof Mensah noted that there are many things to his advantage including social media and his connections to his constituency he could use to his advantage as compared to previous independent candidates.
The Political Marketing Strategist added that with the popularity of Peter Obi in Nigeria, some youth in Ghana are also hopeful of a third force that could overthrow the NPP and NDC sometime in the future.
“Whether that could be translated into a strong electoral fortune, I think it depends massively on the campaign that he wages because campaigns have effect. Now, if he wages a very strong competitive, compelling campaign with a compelling message, and with a kind of credibility that he has, and with a kind of vigour that he could actually present to the young people, I think that could make an impact,” Prof Mensah added.
This is not the first time Alan is quitting the party. After the 2007 presidential primaries where he contested against Akufo-Addo, he raised issues with the process and went ahead to resign.
However, after the party promised to address his concerns, he returned to the NPP, only to resign again now to contest the national election as an independent candidate.
Source:Myjoyonline.com
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
Hot!
Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
