The Founder and flagbearer of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has openly criticized former President John Agyekum Kufuor over his recent endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer for the 2024 general elections.
The move, Kyerematen argued, undermines the impartiality expected from a statesman of Kufuor’s stature and could tarnish his long-standing political legacy. Addressing the issue during a public statement, Kyerematen, who is related to Kufuor, expressed his disapproval of the former president’s involvement in endorsing an active candidate for the elections.
“Kufuor is my uncle, and I hesitate to publicly criticise him. However, his endorsement has cast a significant shadow over his political career.
“Have you noticed how his comments have sparked negative reactions and criticism from the public?”
Alan Kyerematen, Founder and flagbearer of the Movement for Change
The criticism comes as Kyerematen seeks to position his newly formed Movement for Change as a viable alternative to the entrenched dominance of the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In this context, Kyerematen’s remarks highlight his broader concern about the role of elder statesmen in maintaining neutrality during contentious political contests.
Former President Kufuor’s endorsement of Dr. Bawumia has stirred significant debate within Ghanaian political circles. Speaking to selected journalists, Kufuor described Bawumia as the most suitable candidate to lead Ghana, given the current economic and global circumstances.
“Considering the present global context, I genuinely believe that Ghana’s economy would witness substantial growth if Bawumia were elected as President,” Kufuor said. He added that Bawumia’s experience in economic management during his tenure as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana makes him well-suited to guide the nation toward stability.
Kufuor also highlighted Bawumia’s role in stabilizing the national currency during the early 2000s, under the leadership of Governor Dr. Paul Acquah, as evidence of his competence. “With divine guidance, he is more than capable of fulfilling this promise, and I urge you to back his candidacy,” the former president concluded.
Concerns Over Partisan Involvement
Kyerematen’s criticism is rooted in the belief that Kufuor, as a respected former leader, should refrain from engaging in overtly partisan politics.
“He has long been a respected figure in Ghana, so why would he choose to involve himself in partisan politics in this manner? His actions are regrettable, and he is venturing into dangerous territory.”
Alan Kyerematen, Founder and flagbearer of the Movement for Change
This critique reflects a broader sentiment among segments of the Ghanaian public who hold former presidents to a high standard of political impartiality. While endorsements by ex-leaders are not uncommon, they often provoke heated debates about the ethical boundaries of such actions.
Kyerematen also noted that Kufuor’s involvement could erode the respect he commands across Ghana.
“He is an elder statesman, and his legacy is one of fairness and unity. By endorsing a candidate in this way, he risks alienating a significant portion of the populace who look up to him for guidance beyond party lines.”
Alan Kyerematen, Founder and flagbearer of the Movement for Change
The fallout from Kufuor’s endorsement has already been evident, with criticism emerging from various quarters. Kyerematen pointed to this public backlash as a sign that the former president’s comments were ill-timed and potentially divisive.
He urged Kufuor to reconsider his stance, stating, “Kufuor knows exactly what he is doing.”
Having broken away from the NPP earlier this year, Alan Kyerematen has sought to redefine Ghana’s political landscape with his Movement for Change. The party aims to offer a fresh perspective and an alternative to the NPP and NDC, which have dominated Ghanaian politics for decades.
Kyerematen’s criticism of Kufuor’s endorsement reflects his broader campaign strategy of distancing himself from the perceived partisanship and entrenched structures of his former party.
The controversy surrounding Kufuor’s endorsement and Kyerematen’s response underscores a broader issue in Ghanaian politics: the role of elder statesmen in shaping the political narrative.
While some argue that former leaders have a right to voice their opinions, others believe that such actions should be tempered by a commitment to neutrality.
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