Former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has disclosed that he will be addressing Ghanaians in the next few days following his resignation on Thursday January 5.
Details on why the politician took the decision are unknown, but political analysts believe it was to help him focus on his Presidential ambition.
Mr Kyeremanten in a social media post, thanked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo for accepting his resignation. He added that he was also grateful for the support from his party members, friends and family.
“I would like to thank H.E the President for the opportunity to serve and for graciously accepting my resignation as Cabinet Minister responsible for Trade and Industry, effective 16th January 2023.”
Alan Kyeremanten
While accepting Mr. Alan’s resignation letter, President Akuffo Addo thanked him for his services to the nation and wished him well in all his endeavours.
The President also tasked the Minister of Finance, Hon Kenneth Ofori Atta to take care of the ministry till a substantive minister is appointed.
The man popularly called ‘Alan Cash’ has long been rumoured to be nursing the ambition to contest the flagbearership slot of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He has been a leading stalwart and key strategist of the NPP since its inception in 1992.
Alan is thought to be a front-runner among New Patriotic Party (NPP) bigwigs nursing desires to replace President Akuffo Addo, as party flagbearer going into Election 2024.
Mr Kyerematen made other attempts at the party’s leadership in 2010 and 2014 but placed second to Akufo-Addo, who won the primaries.
Other aspirants, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Member of Parliament for Assin Central, former General Secretary of the NPP, Kwabena Agyei Agyapong and the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto have all expressed interest to enter the race when the doors are formally opened.
Prior to his appointment as Minister, Mr. Kyerematen served as Ambassador of Ghana to the United States of America from 2001 to 2003. In that role, he negotiated various trade and investment agreements between Ghana and the United States.
After Alan’s Resignation, Cabinet Reshuffle Likely By Next Week
Pollster Ben Ephson has suggested that a cabinet reshuffle for President Akuffo Addo, may be in the works latest by end of next week. He is even sure it is likely by Tuesday or Wednesday.
His comment follows the sudden, although long-rumoured resignation of Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen.
According to him, Alan has a lot of catching up to do, explaining that many of the NPP delegates may be younger than his generation and may not connect too well with his political weight.
Mr Ben Ephson indicated that NPP delegates 30 years old and younger may not easily remember who Alan was to the NPP some two decades ago when he was in his prime, hence catching up is the smartest move.
“I believe the reshuffle will occur between now and Tuesday. As for the Agric Minister, even if the reshuffle does not affect him, he will have to resign by the end of the month or he will be sacked.”
Ben Ephson
Mr Ephson explained that former Attorney General Joe Ghartey is not holding any post currently because he declared his interest in the presidency early on.
So has Agriculture Minister, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the agricultural economist and politician, who also declared his interest in seeking the party mandate to replace President Akuffo Addo.
Also widely expected in the race is Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who has made it plain he desires to replace his boss.
READ ALSO: Deputy Attorney General Disagrees With Regular Amendment Of 1992 Constitution
