Former Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Catherine Afeku has confirmed her membership and loyalty to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the wake of Alan Kyeremanten’s resignation from the party.
Speaking to happyghana.com, Catherine Afeku, previously under the Alan camp emphasized the paramount importance of party unity within the NPP. Her remarks came in response to the surprising announcement of Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, a once-prominent figure in the NPP, officially resigning from the party to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming 2024 General Elections.
“We’re here to give testimony that the party is supreme above all else. We are in this together as a party and this isn’t the time for insults and discriminations. This is the time for unity, and for us all to be on a united front as a party,” Catherine Afeku stated firmly in the interview.
She continued, “If our friend just stands up and decides he’s no longer with us as a group and a party, we have no cause to join him. We cannot join him because the party is bigger than all else. The rest of the party members and officials should rather be welcoming than discriminatory towards those who initially rallied behind Alan. We are not moving with him, and we are committed to the party.”
Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen’s decision to break away from the NPP has sent shockwaves throughout the political landscape of Ghana, given his extensive history and contributions to the party. This marks the second time Mr. Kyerematen has parted ways with the NPP. In 2008, he resigned from the party, citing bitterness over his loss in the 2007 presidential primary as the reason.
However, this recent departure has been attributed to what Alan Kyerematen perceives as unfair treatment and a skewed flagbearer selection process within the party. He contends that the process favoured one particular candidate, prompting him to make the bold decision to pursue an independent candidacy in the 2024 General Elections.
The NPP now faces a challenging period of internal reflection and strategizing as it grapples with the departure of a prominent member, while Catherine Afeku and others stress the importance of unity in the face of this unexpected development.