The New Patriotic Party (NPP) says it has accepted the resignation of Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen from the party, but insists that the decision would not thwart their efforts in breaking ‘the 8’.
Addressing a news conference in Accra yesterday, the General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong said the resignation of the former Trade and Industry Minister from the Elephant family was not novel.
According to him, some prominent members in both NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) resigned from their parties, but their departures did not affect the political parties.
“Under the Fourth Republic, both the NPP and the NDC have had some leading members of their party break ranks to either form their own party or join other political parties, yet the mother party remained resilient.
“Going into the 2024 general elections, the party has a message, and we use this opportunity to commend Mr. Kyerematen for admitting the good work the government has done, under his then ministry,” he said.
THE MESSAGE
According to NPP, it would go into next year’s presidential election with records, including those from the Trade and Industry sector, which Alan headed.
The party outlined the various achievements, which are the establishment of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative, the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and the development of new strategic anchor industries, including automobile assembly and component manufacturing.
Others are the establishment of business resource centres and technology solutions centres all over the country. There is also the Integrated Customs Service (UNIPASS), the establishment of industrial parks, including the greater Kumasi industrial city and the Special Economic Zone.
In addition is the development of a national export strategy with a target of achieving export revenue of 25 billion US dollars by 2030, the introduction of business regulatory reforms and public-private dialogue mechanisms to facilitate government interaction with the private sector
REAFFIRM
The NPP, the General Secretary claimed, has always been a dynamic and resilient political party, adding that the turn of events serves as an opportunity for them to demonstrate their unity, fortitude and unwavering commitment to the principles the party was founded upon.
The General Secretary urged party faithfuls to “reaffirm” their dedication towards the party, as it strives to win the 2024 general election and make a monumental record.
“We urge party faithfuls to reaffirm their dedication towards this common goal. Our party’s strength has always been derived from the unity and resilience of our members, and we call upon each and every one of you to rally together and uphold the principles that define us.
Indeed, we are the NPP and the elephant is our winning symbol.”
APPEAL
The party commended its rank and file for remaining steadfast and openly rallying behind it, reassuring them that the elephant is a winning symbol.
Kodua begged members who were hitherto supporting Mr. Kyerematen by virtue of his membership in the party to continue supporting the party to ‘break the eight’.
“Together, we shall overcome challenges and together, we shall achieve success. We urge all party faithfuls to remain committed, dedicated and resolute in the ongoing voter limited registration exercise,” he said.
Some known members of the NPP, who openly supported Alan’s candidacy for the flag-bearer contest, have disassociated themselves since his resignation.
The likes of Abena Osei Asare, Member of Parliament (MP) for Atiwa East; Davis Ansah Opoku, MP for Mpraeso and Cathering Ablema Afeku, aspiring MP for Evalue-Gwira, have all indicated they remain committed to the course of the NPP.
