Ghana’s former Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen has announced he will contest the 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate after resigning from the ruling party.
The 67-year-old veteran politician, nicknamed “Alan Cash,” recently exited the New Patriotic Party, which is expected to select Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as its flagbearer.
Kyerematen previously served as Ghana’s ambassador to the United States and trade advisor at the UN Economic Commission for Africa before joining President Akufo-Addo’s cabinet in 2017. He stepped down as trade minister in January.
His independent bid reflects internal divisions within the NPP after their narrow 2020 re-election. As a respected technocrat, Kyerematen may attract reform-minded voters seeking change but wary of the longtime opposition NDC party.
With his pro-business reputation and international experience, Kyerematen is viewed by some analysts as a formidable contender. But independents rarely prevail in Ghana’s entrenched two-party system.
The 2024 election shapes up to be a competitive race at a pivotal moment for Ghana’s democracy and economy. Kyerematen’s candidacy could present an intriguing alternative vision, but his lack of party machinery poses challenges. Ghanaians will ultimately decide if his independent path warrants the presidency.