Three-time defeated New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has broken his silence on a health walk organized for him by some sympathisers in the Ashanti Region capital of Kumasi on Saturday, August 13.
The Alan supporters have been found to have flouted the party’s directive on the ban of political activities related to upcoming presidential and parliamentary primaries.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 17, Alan Kyerematen endorsed some comments made by the Director of Operations of his Campaign Team, Hopeson Adorye. The comments have been deemed tribal and disrespectful to Northerners and Muslims in NPP.
“I understand, with great concern, that the unintended consequences of these comments, have generated strong reactions from different sections of the Ghanaian public, with the potential of creating divisions within the rank and file of our Party, at a crucial time in its history.
In condemning any actions that may disturb the peace within the party, Mr Kyerematen also cautioned against elements who are good at using propaganda and misinformation to fuel ethnic sentiments.
“It is important that we all fight what seems to be emerging as a dangerous trend in our body politic in Ghana, of using misinformation and propaganda in instigating disunity along ethnic, religious and political lines.”
Below is the full statement:
I stand for Unity!
My attention has been drawn to disturbing headlines and discussions in the media, in respect of comments made by Mr. Hopeson Adorye, after a peaceful health walk organized by individuals from all walks of life, in particular sympathizers of our great Party NPP, in the city of Kumasi on 13th August, 2022.
I understand, with great concern, that the unintended consequences of these comments, have generated strong reactions from different sections of the Ghanaian public, with the potential of creating divisions within the rank and file of our Party, at a crucial time in its history.
The New Patriotic Party has always stood for unity, peace and progress for every Ghanaian. Without a doubt, these are the very same virtues that I have worked tirelessly to uphold, in my years of service to Ghana and to the NPP.
It is a fact that the peaceful health walk was independently organized, and joined by thousands of well-meaning Ghanaian citizens across Kumasi, to express their passion for the NPP, in addition to their genuine support for what I have come to represent in the Party, through years of dedicated service. Much as I do appreciate this show of support, I would like to strongly caution against any acts or omissions of any individuals or groups of individuals that may disturb the peace and harmony in our party.
It is important that we all fight what seems to be emerging as a dangerous trend in our body politic in Ghana, of using misinformation and propaganda in instigating disunity along ethnic, religious and political lines.
I passionately believe that it is impossible or inappropriate, to diminish or distort the fundamental contributions and stature of any of the founding fathers of the NPP tradition, and I encourage Party faithfuls to focus on this indisputable fact. Indeed, it is the dedicated service of all the celebrated as well as unsung heroes and heroines of our great Party, that has, and continues to give life to the NPP, till this day. To borrow a leaf from the school ode of my Alma mater, Adisadel College, “Others have laboured, and we share their glory. Ours is to do exploits and add to their gain. Those who come after will take up our story.”
I encourage Party faithful to be vigilant and consistent in protecting this cherished unity, that has made our great party a beacon of hope to the people of Ghana, over the past 30 years.
Let us all pull together, and focus on the task of emerging victorious, in the challenging times we are faced with today as a country.
I stand for Unity!
Long live the NPP and long live Ghana!
Thank you.
Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen.