Alan John Kwadwo Kyerenaten, one of the frontrunners in the governing New Patriotic Party’s presidential aspirant race has withdrawn.

He cites intimidation of supporters and skewing of the process in favour of one candidate as reasons for his decision.

Mr. Kyerematen was scheduled to address his supporters and party faithful on Tuesday but it was called off on the eleventh hour. He later issued a statement to announce his withdrawal.

“In light of the foregoing, I wish to confirm that I am honourably withdrawing from the process that will lead to the Presidential Primaries to be held on the 4th of November 2023. In the next upcoming weeks, I will provide an indication of the role that I will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with my family and other well-wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups,” Mr. Kyerematen said in his resignation issued on Tuesday, September 5.

“The level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly, unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions, is unprecedented in the history of our Party.”

“In addition, the fact that my Polling Agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eyesight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the Party. This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other Voting Centers, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable. I am committed to, and value the safety of those who work with me and for me, and I will always fight for their interest,” he added.

The former Trade Minister wished the remaining aspirants well in their quest to lead the party for the December 7, 2023 elections.

“I wish all the other Aspirants well as they continue on their journey. I also wish to use this opportunity to express my profound gratitude once again to my family, the Alan 4 President (A4P) Campaign Team, and all my teeming supporters in Ghana and from around the world, who have supported me in diverse ways over the years. Please be assured that the battle is still the Lord’s, and that those who wait upon the Lord shall have their strength renewed,” he assured.

His withdrawal means only four aspirants will partake in the November 4 NPP presidential primaries.

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, former Agric Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh are vying for the top job.

Presidency Sponsored Candidate

Reports have indicated that the presidency has been rallying behind the candidature of Dr. Bawumia in the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries.

According to sources, President Akufo-Addo is intimidating or coercing the party faithful to throw their weight or support behind the Vice President.

However, the president has denied such claims.

Engaging NPP Communicators at the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo described as “false” and “malicious” claims he is using the government machinery to support Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is among the ten NPP bigwigs seeking to become the party’s candidate for the 2024 polls.

He, therefore, urged such rumours to be treated with the contempt it deserves because he cannot impose a candidate on the party.

“The assertions by some in the party that government is somehow allegedly ‘intimidating or coercing party faithful to throw their weight or support behind one of the presidential aspirants…the allegation is being made that the government is putting its authority behind the Vice President. I want to say in very clear terms to you and to the world that it is a false and malicious narrative.

“There is not a single truth to it. That is why I can beat my chest to it and I can say without any fear of contradiction that there is no one in the party, there is not a single person in the NPP who can say that I have asked him or her to support this or that aspirant. I haven’t done it and I know why I haven’t done it,” the president is reported to have said.

President Akufo-Addo further stated that his administration had not set out to terminate the contract of any minister or political appointee because they supported a specific aspirant.

“No minister, no deputy minister has been thrown out of his job or even been threatened because of their support for their preferred presidential aspirant,” Akufo-Addo noted.