Alan Kyerematen (in obeisance posture) announcing his intention to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
FORMER TRADE and Industry Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, yesterday officially announced to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, his ambition to become the President of Ghana on the ticket of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The former Minister for Trade and Industry, also appealed to the Asante King to support him with prayers so that his great ambition to lead the country to affluence as President would become a reality.
According to him, he has duly resigned from government as a cabinet minister to embark on his presidential journey, and it was appropriate for him to seek Otumfuo’s support first before he starts his campaign.
“Otumfuo, I have resigned as the Minister of Trade and Industry after six years of loyal service to the country to pursue my presidential ambition. In effect, I will contest for the upcoming NPP flagbearer position. I am at Manhyia Palace today to officially inform Otumfuo and Asanteman, and also seek the Asantehene’s blessings so that my ambition to lead the NPP as flagbearer and Ghana as President will materialise,” Alan Kyerematen said.
“I promise to continue the good services that my father, Dr. Kyerematen, rendered for Asanteman and Ghana,” he noted, stressing that if he was able to realise his ambition of becoming the President, he would deliver.
“As the Minister of Trade and Industry, I did not disappoint. I introduced the idea to spread industrialisation and the setting up of factories across the country through the private sector with support from the government.
“During my days, the One District One Factory (1D1F) policy was introduced and it has yielded positive results. We have set up 296 factories through the private sector with active support from government in over four years period,” he said.
Otumfuo’s Message
Otumfuo, in his succinct remarks, urged the NPP delegates to consider the interest of Ghana first before casting their ballot for their next presidential candidate, saying that it should be Ghana first before any other consideration.
He also advised Alan Kyerematen to explain his policies and plans for the country to the NPP delegates as he sought to win their votes, without insults, saying “you were properly trained so uphold that positive trait.”
The Asante King stated that it was only God who had the power to uplift people to become kings or presidents, stressing that the NPP should unite and support the eventual winner of their presidential race.
Otumfuo then gave Alan Kyerematen his blessings, and added that “your other colleague NPP presidential aspirants would also come for my blessings, but as I said earlier on, it is only God who would determine the winner.”
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi