Nana Ohene Ntow, a leading member of the Movement for Change, has emphasized that Ghana requires a leader with a clear vision, proven competence, strong character, and a track record of success.
He believes Alan Kyerematen embodies these qualities, making him the ideal leader to address the country’s current socio-economic challenges.
Nana Ntow highlighted Alan Kyerematen’s impressive achievements in his early career, showcasing exceptional performance in management roles and entrepreneurship development consulting in the private sector, a remarkable accomplishment considering the challenges and timing of his endeavors.
“He had the support of the UNDP who helped him set up an initial program called Empretec Ghana. Through Empretec Ghana, Alan grew and matured small businesses into conglomerates. As we speak, there are businesses in Ghana when you hear their names, they will tell you these businesses grew through the hands of Alan Kyerematen who nurtured them”.
Nana Ohene Ntow
Ohene Ntow further noted that, with the support of the United Nations, Alan Kyerematen successfully scaled up the Empretec Ghana program into Enterprise Africa, thereby enabling the businesses he mentored to expand beyond Ghana’s borders, demonstrating Alan’s profound impact on Ghana and the broader African continent.
Additionally, Ohene Ntow also pointed out that Alan Kyerematen’s tenure as Ghana’s ambassador to the United States during the Kuffour administration was truly exceptional, marked by a significant strengthening of diplomatic ties and a substantial enhancement of Ghana’s relations with the United States.
Ohene Ntow also emphasized that Alan Kyerematen, through his skilled use of economic diplomacy, played a crucial role in supporting the Kuffour administration’s successful negotiation of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a significant trade agreement with the United States.
He explained that the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) facilitated by Alan Kyerematen enabled Ghanaian manufacturers to export their products to the United States market duty-free, without facing any customs or tariff barriers, thereby boosting Ghana’s trade prospects.
“Alan led the team that helped Cosmos to help find oil for Ghana that was a major feat”. – Nana Ohene Ntow
Ohene Ntow also highlighted that Alan Kyerematen played a key role in securing the Millennium Challenge Account for Ghana, which has resulted in the country receiving over US $1 billion in funding, used to implement various infrastructure projects, further demonstrating his impact on Ghana’s development.
Alan Kyerematen’s Achievements In Trade and Industry
Furthermore, Nana Ohene Ntow noted that during his tenure as Minister for Trade and Industry in the Kuffour administration, Alan Kyerematen championed initiatives aimed at promoting self-sufficiency, including the development of cassava starch production, salt, oil palm, garment, and textile industries, to reduce reliance on imports and foster economic growth.
“The record is there. Unfortunately, people don’t even find out what exactly has become of these initiatives. As we speak today,…ZoomLion has bought majority shares of the Ayensu Starch Industry. Kumasi Brewery is using starch from that industry to produce beer”.
Nana Ohene Ntow
Moreover, Ohene Ntow emphasized that Alan Kyerematen stands out as a superior choice compared to Dr. Bawumia and John Mahama, given his far-reaching impact that extends beyond Ghana’s borders, as evidenced by his instrumental role in spearheading the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“When that project [AfCFTA] was initiated by the UN in conjunction with the AU, Alan was the person who was called upon to take it on as the chief architect”. – Nana Ohene Ntow
Ohene Ntow pointed out that Alan Kyerematen was tapped to lead the AfCFTA initiative at a time when the NPP was not in power, and he was not a member of the ruling government under President Akuffo-Addo, highlighting his neutral and apolitical appointment to drive this critical continental project.
Ohene Ntow also noted that, unlike Alan Kyerematen, Dr. Bawumia and John Mahama, who held high offices as Vice President and President, respectively, failed to match Alan’s impressive achievements, both within Ghana and internationally, despite their privileged positions.
Ohene Ntow stressed that Alan Kyerematen stands out as a visionary leader, rivaling the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah, by conceptualizing a transformative policy initiative for Africa, a feat unmatched by any other individual, including former Presidents and Vice Presidents
He further credited Alan Kyerematen with spearheading the establishment of Ghana’s automotive industry, noting that he was the trailblazer who successfully lobbied six major automobile companies to set up operations in the country and commence car assembly.
As such, Ohene Ntow noted that Alan Kyerematen is the most suitable leader for Ghanaians to entrust with their future, as he possesses the vision, expertise, and proven track record to guide the nation toward a path of prosperity and growth.
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