The United Party (UP) has called on dissatisfied members and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to support its founder, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, saying the latest internal tensions within the opposition party reinforced the concerns that led to his (Mr Kyerematen’s) resignation from the NPP.
The appeal follows disciplinary petitions against the former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, and reports that some members of the NPP's National Executive Committee (NEC) have called for sanctions against him.
The petitions, filed by some party members, are before the NPP's National Disciplinary Committee chaired by a former Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta.
Reacting to the developments, the UP said the reported disagreements within the NPP vindicated its long-held position that the circumstances surrounding Mr Kyerematen's exit from the party would eventually result in internal divisions.
In a statement signed and issued by the Director of Communication and Spokesperson of the UP, Solomon Owusu, the party said although some observers expected it to celebrate the NPP's challenges, its focus was on providing Ghanaians with a credible political alternative.
Appeal to voters
The UP urged frustrated NPP supporters and other voters to support Mr Kyerematen and the parliamentary candidates of the party in future elections.
It said Ghana needed visionary and transformational leadership to reposition the economy and improve the living conditions of citizens.
The statement further urged voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote according to their conscience, stressing that the secrecy of the ballot guaranteed every Ghanaian the freedom to make an independent choice.
Enterprise economy
The UP reiterated its commitment to building what it described as an enterprise economy to transform Ghana's economic structure.
It said the policy would shift the country from dependence on primary commodity exports and trading to industrialisation and entrepreneurship through the formalisation of the informal sector, promotion of indigenous businesses, technology, skills development, tax reforms and improvements in education and health care.
According to the statement, those measures would create jobs, strengthen local industries and promote inclusive economic growth.
Background
The United Party evolved from the Movement for Change, which was established by Mr Kyerematen after he resigned from the NPP in September 2023 over concerns about the party's presidential primary process.
He subsequently contested the 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate before the movement was reorganised into the United Party following its registration by the Electoral Commission.
Mr Kyerematen, a former Minister of Trade and Industry and four-time NPP presidential aspirant, says the UP seeks to provide a credible third political force focused on economic transformation, industrialisation and private sector-led growth.
The latest tensions within the NPP come as the party reorganises following its defeat in the 2024 general election, with disciplinary proceedings involving Mr Agyapong adding to debates over the party's future leadership and direction.
