The ceremony, held at the Peduase residence of the former first couple, attracted a large turnout, as mourners dressed mostly in black, consoled the widower, former President John Agyekum Kufuor and the entire family.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, Samira Bawumia, ministers of state, chiefs and MPs were among the large assembly of mourners.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III sent representatives.
Other prominent traditional rulers in attendance were the Juabenhene , Nana Otuo Siriboe II; the Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, and the Apagyahene, Nana Owusu Afriyie IV.

Kufuor in sombre mood
Mr Kufuor was in sombre mood for a greater part of the event. At some points, he tried fighting back tears. Theresa was a woman he shared 61 years of his life with, and naturally he would be hit by her death.

Tradition
Fontonfrom, kete, adowa and nwonkro ensembles enlivened the event. Former President Kufuor, surrounded by family members including his brother, Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, sat through the event for symphatisers to greet him.

Donations mostly in cash came from some of the mourners to support the funeral.

The political angle
The political angle could not be lost at the event. It was refreshing seeing Vice President Bawumia and Alan Kyerematen shake hands amid smiles.

The two were leading contestants in the NPP flagbearer race until Mr Kyerematen backed out.

Mr. Kyerematen resigned from the NPP in September and declared his intention to lead a movement as an independent candidate.

The Suame MP believes that an overture to Mr. Kyerematen may resolve all issues.

“I think that every effort must be made, even if it’s a one percent possibility, let’s see what will come out of it. We are talking about Alan’s situation, where we are saying that let’s still engage if he will come back. To now go into specifics will be a difficulty, it may hamper the reconciliation I’m suggesting. It’s possible to bring him back,” the Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs opined in an interview with 3news.

The former Minister for Trade and Industry announced his decision to break away from the party and run as an independent candidate in the upcoming 2024 elections on September 25th.

He cited intimidation against his supporters and the party being hijacked by a select few.

Mr. Kyerematen’s decision sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as he has been a steadfast member of the NPP for many years.

Mr. Kyerematen is a seasoned politician who is widely recognized for his contributions to the NPP and his roles in various government positions.

Source: citinewsroom

According to Mr Kyerematen, Ghana’s underdevelopment is because successive governments have tried to fund developmental projects through their budgets, meanwhile, they lack the required funds.

He believes that private-sector financing can help to bridge this gap and accelerate infrastructural development in Ghana.

The GTP is a 15-point plan that aims to transform Ghana into a modern, industrialized nation. It focuses on key areas such as industrialization, agriculture, energy, health, and education.

Mr. Kyerematen believes that industrialization is the key to job creation and economic growth. He has pledged to pursue a vigorous industrialization policy if he is elected president.

Mr Kyerematen expressed hope that he will receive support from the rank and file of the NDC, NPP, CPP, professionals, and the general public.

Source: citinewsroom

Following the resignation of the former Trade and Industry Minister to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 general elections, some party members have criticized him especially for the claims he made as basis for his exit.

But the Takoradi Technical University chapter of the Patriotic Intellectuals at a news conference on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, said it is more important for members to trumpet the achievements of President Akufo-Addo and the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, since that will be the party’s trump card going into election 2024.

The Chairman of the Takoradi Technical University branch of the Patriotic Intellectuals, Michael Asare Appiah, said, “We bemoan the decision of Hon. Alan Kyerematen, who was a stalwart of the NPP to resign and contest as an independent candidate in the 2024 general election. Even though we are saddened by his decision, we respect it. We admonish all members of the NPP, especially party communicators to be magnanimous with their reaction towards him; and spend their time defending the achievements of the Akufo–Addo–Bawumia Government.”

Commendation
The group also commended the supporters of Mr. Kyerematen “who for party unity and the belief to break the 8, have thrown their support for one candidate or the other. We urge others who are yet to decide to as a matter of necessity do so in the interest of the great NPP and the Osono [Elephant] family. Further to this, we admonish all party members to treat all former supporters of Mr. Kyerematen (i.e., who chose to stay with the NPP) with all the dignity and respect deserving of bona fide members of the NPP.”

Decorous campaign
On the November 4 presidential primary, the Patriotic Intellectuals appealed to the contestants and their followers to be decorous in their campaigning and be minded about the need to keep the party united for victory in 2024.

“We also wish to admonish all parties involved in the election to continue to hold the party’s image in high esteem; and to be profoundly measured in their public pronouncements and in their engagements with party delegates during their campaigns. They must conduct themselves in ways that would bring honour, rather than humiliation to the party.”

Mr. Kufuor, who led Ghana between 2000 and 2008, said he had observed that the NPP of today differs significantly from what it used to be.

In an interview with Accra-based TV3, the former president emphasized the need for the NPP to carefully assess its activities as it moves forward. He highlighted the importance of a strong commitment within the party, which he likened to a form of dedication almost akin to a religious belief.

Mr. Kufuor noted that the sense of commitment he once felt within the party seems to have waned and underscored the importance of practising proper democracy, emphasizing inclusivity over factionalism.

Mr. Kufuor pointed out that emphasizing factions within the party, whether at the constituency or national level, leads to division and hinders cooperation.

“The way I feel it, I don’t sense the same strong commitment. I have likened commitment to almost a religion. I don’t sense that now. We are talking proper democracy, an inclusive one, you wouldn’t emphasise factions.”

“Once the practice of selecting constituency or [a] national, you wouldn’t be so divisive and emphasising faction. He belongs to that side so no cooperation. You do that you are dividing the force,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the former General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has urged party members to remain focused despite the recent resignation of a prominent member and former presidential aspirant, Alan Kyerematen.

Mr. Boadu acknowledged his disagreement with the reasons given by Mr. Kyerematen but called for acceptance and respect of his decision.

Mr. Boadu stressed the importance of maintaining focus and unity within the party.

He acknowledged that disagreements could arise, but ultimately, the party must remain steadfast and united in its objectives, irrespective of individual departures.

Source: citinewsroom

Mr. Kyerematen acknowledged his beliefs in the party’s traditions and values, emphasizing that he would not sit down aloof to countenance any wrongdoing within the party.

He remarked that he has a distinguished professional record locally and internationally, stressing that he doesn’t waste his time on frivolous things.

In an interview on the Point of View on Citi TV, Alan asserted, “I was part of the founding members of the party. I have paid my dues to the party, and I believe in the traditions and values of the party. But if things are going wrong, I can only commit to remaining calm for a certain time. But when it is going to jeopardise the very existence of our party, which is where we have got to now, I will not stay and countenance that.”

After all, I’m not a young man, I can make my own decisions, and I have a very distinguished record in my profession, locally and externally. So I don’t waste my time on matters like this. And that is why I’m giving a caution to the party leadership, that if they want to play that kind of game by trying to discredit me about what has gone on, it will not be an interesting exercise,” Mr. Kyerematen warned.

He promised to give the party a run for their money in the 2024 polls, underscoring the importance of people being elected on their own merits and not riding on the back of a political party.

“As an independent candidate, whether the party likes it or not, let the occasion arise, and they will see how much of that base I will harvest votes. Because we are not talking about delegates now, we are talking about the 6.5 million people who are not delegates. And who are looking for people who represent the true ideals of their tradition.”

“The political ecosystem, philosophy and foundation, that we have now, drives us more towards an executive-presidential system. People say it’s a hybrid, but the truth of the matter is that power is vested in one person, the president. If that is the case, then does it not make sense that people who are selected and elected as president must be elected on their own merits and not on the back of a political party,” he stated.

Mr. Kyerematen resigned from the party on Monday, September 25, citing intimidation of his supporters and nepotism being played within the party.

He therefore declared his intention to contest as an independent candidate, a move which has shocked many in the country.

Source: citinewsroom

Mr Kyerematen announced his resignation from the NPP on Monday, to contest the 2024 Presidential election as an Independent Candidate, accusing some selected groups of hijacking the Party and skewing the party’s recent super delegate congress to favour one candidate.

The Party, at a news conference on Tuesday, refuted those claims, describing Alan’s resignation as “premeditated.”

Mr Agyarko, in a statement, said the resignation of the former Trade Minister must lead the Party into a time of deep introspection rather than a time for “gloating or the display of triumphalist arrogance.”

“The history of our tradition must teach us that the consequences of events such as has now befallen us since the heady days of 1951 to date have always been negative and have cast a deep and lingering shadow on our electoral fortunes,” he said.

“At least, my brother Kyerematen has put his thoughts and feelings on paper for all to appreciate. How about the many who habour similar and maybe more petulant sentiments in their hearts but are not openly expressing same?

“There are many in our party today who have, out of dismay, resigned in their hearts and are only waiting to walk away from us at the ballot box.”

He urged leadership of the NPP to “assuage wounded sentiments across the length and breath of the party to realise the break the eight agenda.

“Now is the time to examine ourselves if indeed we are true and faithful to the tenets and values of the UP tradition or we have metamorphosed into an ugly shadow of what we should be. These must become the urgent task ahead of us.” Mr Agyarko added.

Source: citinewsroom

He emphasized that recent developments within the party should not deter them from their primary objective.

Dr. Bawumia shared his message while addressing party supporters in the Eastern Region, following his visits to various voter registration centres.

He underscored that Alan Kyeremanteng’s resignation and other happenings within the NPP should not divert their attention from the central mission for the 2024 elections.

He called upon NPP members to remain fully dedicated to the “Breaking the 8” campaign slogan, which symbolizes the party’s ambition to secure a third consecutive term in power.

“Don’t have any doubts in your mind, we will have to work hard but it is possible to break the eight. We are going to break the eight and I will need more of your efforts. Let us keep focus as a party, don’t be distracted by events, and stay focused on the main task which is breaking the eight.

“Let nobody distract you, we are going to win just focus on breaking the eight in 2024,” Dr Bawumia said.

Source: citinewsroom

During his press conference on Monday, September 25, Mr Kyerematen announced his resignation from the party and declared his intention to contest the 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate.

He said, “The NPP has been hijacked by a selected group of party leaders and elders, and government appointees behind the curtain power brokers”.

Unfounded
But, at a news conference at the NPP headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, the General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong said Mr Kyerematn’s claims are unfounded.

“Guided by facts and data, the leadership of the party disagrees entirely with this assertion. Historically, the selection of flagbearers for political parties in Ghana had been the preserve of a privileged few until the New Patriotic Party took the bold decision to decentralize the process by expanding its electoral college to enfranchise some 106,590 delegates in 2010.”

He added: “Currently, about 200,000 delegates would be voting to select the Party’s next flag bearer relative to the estimated 1,998 who did same in 1992. Clearly, the quantum leap to 200,000 delegates in 2023 underscores the decentralization of power to all party stakeholders and defeats the assertion that the party has been hijacked by a privileged few”.

At the end of the press conference, the NPP National Executives sang the party’s song.

No intimidation
He further rubbished Mr. Kyerematen’s claims of intimidation against his supporters emphasising that government appointees including cabinet ministers who openly declared support for him are still at post.
“In reference to Mr Kyerematen’s concerns, which include allegations of intimidation against his supporters, it is noteworthy that certain government appointees, including cabinet ministers, who openly declared their support for him are still at post and have never been intimidated,” he stated.

Acceptance
The party, according to the General Secretary, has accepted the resignation of Mr Kyerematen.

Mr Kodua however expressed disappointment that the former flag bearer aspirant did not give prior notification to the party’s leadership before the public announcement.

He said Mr Kyerematen’s decision was “pre-meditated”, given the mode of his resignation through a press conference. “The disappointing part is the mode in which he decided to resign from the party, which was through a press conference without prior notice to the party. The party wants to believe that by his decision to hold the press conference to resign without first informing the leadership of the party suggests that he has made a premeditated and irrevocable decision to resign from the party.”

Mr Kodua appealed to all members of the NPP who previously supported Kyerematen to remain committed to the party’s effort to win the 2024 General Elections.

In a statement signed by the Special Assistant to the regional chairman, Andy Owusu on Tuesday, said Mr Antwi-Boasiako’s attention was drawn to a falsg,He claim by Mr Kyerematen on television that he was instrumental in his political progression.

“As a matter of fact, Chairman Wontumi became the NPP Constituency Chairman of Bosomtwe as a staunch loyalist of Nana Akufo-Addo. It was during his time as the Bosomtwe Constituency Chairman that he met Mr. Kyerematen. And it was actually the current District Chief Executive for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Hon. Rebecca Yeboah, popularly known as Sister Bantama, who was at the time a member of the NPP Volunteer Media Communication who took Chairman Wontumi to the residence of the then NPP Constituency Chairman for Asokwa, Mr. Robert Asare Bediako, where he met Mr. Kyerematen.

“During their meeting, someone recorded and leaked the engagement to the then opposition leader, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufu-Addo,” the statement said.

Prevention
The statement said out of fury, some handlers of Nana Akufo-Addo prevented Chairman Wontumi from seeing him when Wontumi visited to seek his blessings and support for his Regional Chairmanship ambition. But through the intervention of Eugene Boakye Antwi, Chairman Wontumi got the chance to visit Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo in London.

“With the exception of the late Dr. Kwame Amoako Tuffour who stood solidly behind Chairman Wontumi, all the other Akufo-Addo loyalists were against him. To state it categorically without mincing words, Chairman Wontumi went into the Regional Chairmanship election against Lawyer Osei Prempeh without the support of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo and Mr. Kyerematen.

“Indeed, 100% credit goes to the late Dr. Amoako Tuffour so far as the successful regional chairmanship bid of Chairman Wontumi is concerned. Chairman Asare Bediako, Agya Sei and my good self, Andy Owusu who was the Campaign Manager at the time, also played various instrumental roles in the campaign.”