Mr Akwasi Nti, a former Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at Fomena in the Ashanti Region, has strongly criticized Alan Kyerematen, the former Trade Minister and leader of the newly formed Movement for Change, ahead of the upcoming elections.
In a fiery interview, Nti dismissed any concerns about Kyerematen’s departure from the NPP, claiming it would have no impact on the party’s chances, especially in the Ashanti Region.
“A lot of people are making a big deal about Alan leaving, but let me tell you, it’s nothing more than a distraction,” Nti asserted. “He may have been a member of the NPP, but his exit will not shift the balance in our favour. Alan Kyerematen has no political influence to pose a serious challenge in the Ashanti Region or anywhere else in this country.”
Nti’s criticism of Kyerematen extended beyond his exit from the party, pointing to what he described as a lacklustre record during Kyerematen’s tenure as Trade Minister.
Nti argued that Kyerematen’s policies failed to benefit the country, particularly in terms of local economic growth, and instead led to negative consequences for traders in regions like Ashanti.
“Under Alan’s watch as Trade Minister, we saw an alarming increase in the number of Nigerian traders flooding our markets,” Nti said, shaking his head in disbelief. “He had no real strategy to support local businesses. Instead of empowering Ghanaians, he allowed foreign traders to dominate. And that’s the legacy he left behind.”
For Nti, the question is clear: What tangible achievement can Kyerematen point to that would justify a shift in support, especially in regions that have long been loyal to the NPP?
“Alan needs to answer a simple question: What exactly did you do for the people? What did you achieve that would make anyone consider voting for you?” Nti challenged. “His record as a minister was nothing short of disastrous. I don’t see how anyone can reasonably support him after that.”
Nti went further, suggesting that Kyerematen’s move away from the NPP might actually be an attempt to sabotage the party’s chances in the 2024 elections. He accused Kyerematen of aiming to force a runoff by siphoning votes away from the NPP, thereby weakening the party’s stronghold.
“I believe his main goal now is to create a division, to cause confusion and force a runoff in the elections,” Nti said. “But that’s not going to work. The NPP has the people’s trust, and nothing Alan Kyerematen does can change that.”
Comparing Kyerematen’s lack of impact to other NPP leaders who have served the Ashanti Region, Nti didn’t mince words. He drew a stark contrast between Kyerematen’s time in office and the achievements of figures like President Akufo-Addo and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who have made tangible strides in the region.
“Look at the NPP’s record in Ashanti Region,” Nti said passionately. “We’ve seen real development. We’ve seen our leaders creating jobs, building infrastructure, and lifting people out of poverty. Alan, on the other hand, didn’t even manage to support local traders. That’s the difference.”
Despite Kyerematen’s attempts to rally support through his new movement, Nti believes the former minister’s departure has ultimately left him without a viable platform to challenge the NPP. He remains confident that the party’s base in the Ashanti Region, one of the most politically important areas in Ghana, will remain firmly behind the NPP in the elections.
“Alan is a man without a cause,” Nti concluded. “The people of Ashanti know who has been working for them, and they will never turn their backs on the NPP. Alan’s exit will make no difference – we will continue to dominate.”
