An independent presidential candidate and leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has highlighted Ghana’s deep polarization, emphasizing the need for a unifying leader to foster national development.
In an interview on TV3’s New Day show on Monday, July 1, Mr Kyerematen underscored Ghana’s current state at a crossroads due to economic challenges, asserting that only an independent and principled leader can effectively unite the nation to address these pressing issues.
“We need an independent and honest leader who will unite the country, our country is so polarised. Ghana is at a crossroads and where we are now with the crisis, we must go beyond this type of politics. Yes I want to be president, God has endowed me with the skills but we need to bring the country together,” he said.
Mr Kyerematen has put forward several commitments, including a pledge to streamline government efficiency by reducing ministerial positions to 40—a stark contrast to competing promises from other parties, such as the NDC’s commitment to 60 ministers and the NPP’s pledge of 50.
Presenting his Great Transformational Plan manifesto, Kyerematen outlined his vision for significant reforms, including eliminating sole sourcing in public procurement to ensure transparency and combating corruption.
“I will reduce the current size of government and run a lean executive administration consisting of not more than 40 ministers”, he told a filled conference room as they cheered loudly.
“Eliminate soul sourcing in public procurement and contracting to ensure value for money” according to Alan will inform one of the cardinal means to eliminating corruption within government public procurement.
He also advocated for constitutional amendments, proposing an extension of presidential terms to facilitate long-term governance for developmental purposes.
Additionally, Mr Kyerematen advocated for the abolition of the Council of State to establish a new parliamentary chamber representing various stakeholder groups, such as faith-based organizations, traditional authorities, and professional associations.
“I will abolish the Council of State and establish a new second chamber of Parliament with representation from key stakeholders including the faith-based organizations, traditional authorities, professional bodies, artisanal associations, gender-based organizations, private sector, labour unions and people with disability” arguing this would allow for a proper representation of interest groups in the decision making of the country.
He argued that this restructuring would enhance inclusivity in national decision-making processes.
With these proposals, Alan Kyerematen positions himself as a formidable contender poised to challenge the dominance of the traditional political landscape in Ghana ahead of the December 7 general elections.
