Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen's ambition to serve as the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) flagbearer has been welcomed by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The Otumfuo assured Mr. Kyerematen of his prayers and blessings during their meeting on Monday at the Manhyia Palace, stating, "I support you with prayers and blessings in pursuit of your dream."
The Asantehene gave the former Minister of Trade and Industry advice to put his faith in God's protection and the ability of the Golden Stool to help him realize his goals.
The King also advised Mr. Kyerematen to utilize his expertise and experience to work in the interest of Ghana at all times.
The Otumfuo further advised the presidential aspirant, “to embark on a clean campaign devoid of insults and abusive words against other contestants in the flagbearer race.”
In addition, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II urged the NPP delegates to vote for a candidate who would be popular among all Ghanaians rather than one who would only lead the party but lose the popular vote.
In particular, during his time as Ghana's Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Kyerematen appreciated Otumfuo's support and prayers for him over the years. He also promised him that he would continue to rely on his wise advice and guidance.
“I will not disappoint the Manhyia Palace and Ghana as a whole when I get the mandate to lead the party and the nation at large,” Mr. Kyerematen assured.
The former Minister said if elected president, he would deliver his mandate by building upon the 1D1F and other flagship programmes of the government and make a real difference in the lives of Ghanaians.
Mr. Kyerematen also disclosed plans to build a Special Economic Zone at Ejisu and a New Greater Kumasi Industrial City. According to Mr. Kyerematen, the claimed Greater Kumasi Industrial City's goal is to make Ashanti Region the nation of Ghana's new center of manufacturing.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), which has its headquarters in Ghana, and One District, One Factory were two of the projects he braggingly mentioned in his speech as trade minister.
He claims that 296 factories have been founded, with 47 of them now under construction in the Ashanti Region.
Later, Mr. Kyerematen, while speaking to residents of Kumasi on local radio stations on Tuesday, stressed that continuity and longevity in governance are key to "Breaking the 8."
He argued that the NPP needed a national figurehead like himself to ensure its success in the general elections of 2024.
According to him, the NPP can win 80% of the votes in Ashanti Region by consolidating its support base there, thanks to his ability and vision. He claimed that in addition to collecting a sizable number of votes in all other regions of Ghana, he has the capacity to achieve record gains for the NPP in the Volta Region.
Mr. Kyerematen emphasized that he would exert all of his might to keep the party in power.
He also outlined his plan to modernise the NPP by setting up constituency business ventures and enhancing the entrepreneurial capabilities of party executives as a way of financing party activities without depending on funding from the government.
In a similar vein, he suggested that if his plan is put in place, dedicated party executives at all levels would be able to receive a legitimate salary to enable them to fend for themselves and earn a decent living.
