NPP debunks Alan’s claims

– Gen. Sec. rallies rank and file behind party

By Elvis DARKO, Accra

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has dismissed Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen’s accusations against the party describing them as false and without basis.

The Party debunked Alan’s claims that it has been hijacked by a selected group of Party leaders and elders, government appointees, “behind the curtain power brokers” and some unscrupulous Party apparatchiks.”

General Secretary of NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong at a press conference in Accra said the August 26 Special Delegates Conference was organized in tandem with the party’s constitution.

He dismissed Alan’s claims of intimidation against his supporters emphasising that government appointees including cabinet ministers who openly declared support for him are still at post.

He referred to Article 13(2)(2) of the Party’s Constitution which states that where there is more than one contestant, each delegate will cast his or her vote by secret ballot for one of the contestants.

Therefore, he said the demand by the petitioners for delegates to vote for five persons instead of one is unconstitutional.

Inspite of the request being unconstitutional, Frimpong explained that as the leadership of the Party recommended to the consideration of the National Council a determination on the petition upon receipt of same to show how democratic and transparent it has operated.

The General Secretary disclosed that even more important is the fact that, the petitioners most of whom are not members of the National Council were granted the rare opportunity to appear before the Council and make their case on why such a proposal should be adopted.

“In a true democratic process, 73 members of the National Council voted against both proposals relative to 9 others who voted in support, underscoring the overwhelming rejection of both proposals,” he said.

While respecting Alan’s decision to resign, Frimpong disclosed that when the National Chairman Stephen Ntim visited Alan on behalf of the Party after the August 26 Special Electoral College, in an attempt to bring all the 10 aspirants together, Alan did not portray any sign of resigning from the party, let alone going independent.

He described Alan’s press conference to announce his resignation without first informing the leadership of the Party as premeditated and irrevocable decision.  

He acknowledged Alan’s contributions to the party’s growth and development over the years saying “We respect his decision and extend our gratitude for the services rendered to the NPP and the nation.”

He pointed out that under the Fourth Republic, both the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have had some leading members of their party breaking ranks to either form their own party, or join other political parties, yet the mother parties remained resilient.

Going into the 2024 general elections, he emphasized that the party has a message, and used the opportunity to commend Alan for admitting the good work the government has done under his tenure as Trade and Industry Minister.

The party urged all sector Ministers and other government appointees to also start propagating the unprecedented achievements of the government in their respective sectors just as Alan has done.

Frimpong commended the Party’s rank and file for remaining steadfast and openly rallying behind the party demonstrating the true spirit of the party.

“To all Party faithfuls who were hitherto supporting Alan by virtue of his membership in the Party, though it is disappointing and distressing, we urge you to continue supporting the Party in our quest to break the eight (8).

“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.

“Together, we shall persevere, and together, we shall succeed,” he said.