In a significant move within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong has announced that any member aligning with former trade minister Alan Kyerematen automatically forfeits their membership with the party. He underscored that party regulations explicitly prohibit backing independent candidates when an official party candidate is in the race.
During an interview on Neat FM on November 13, 2023, Frimpong articulated the party’s stance, stating, “Anyone who stands as an independent candidate against the officially elected member of the party or who joins or declares support for another political party or an independent candidate, when the party has sponsored a candidate in a general election or bye-election, automatically forfeits his or her membership of the party.”
Highlighting a recent development involving Alan Kyerematen, the former trade minister, Frimpong disclosed that Kyerematen had submitted a letter expressing his desire to withdraw from the party. In accordance with the party’s policy, this withdrawal signifies that Kyerematen is no longer a part of the NPP.
Frimpong addressed the emergence of videos depicting individuals declaring support for both Kyerematen and the NPP Parliamentary candidate. He asserted, “I will release a letter to such individuals to make it clear that the forfeiture policy is in effect within the party. They are no longer party members.”
Alan Kyerematen had declared his intention to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming 2024 elections after formally withdrawing from the NPP on September 5, 2023. Kyerematen cited various reasons for his departure, including alleged intimidation of delegates during the Super Delegates Conference held on August 26, 2023.
As a result of his withdrawal, Alan Kyerematen now leads the Movement for Change, signaling a new chapter in his political journey. The NPP’s firm stance on supporting only officially endorsed candidates underscores its commitment to party unity and discipline.