A spokesperson for former President John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has extended an invitation to independent presidential candidate Alan Kyerematen to join forces with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its presidential candidate ahead of the 2024 general elections. Bawah Mogtari described the NDC as a winning team, encouraging Mr. Kyerematen to align with them to prove his detractors wrong.
Her remarks follow a recent verbal attack by Alan Kyerematen on former President John Agyekum Kufuor for endorsing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. According to Mr. Kyerematen, Mr. Kufuor’s endorsement has tarnished his (Kyerematen’s) political career.
In an interview on Oyerepa TV on Monday, November 18, Mr. Kyerematen, a former minister in Kufuor’s administration, expressed his view that the esteemed former president should refrain from endorsing any candidate.
Former NPP member Alan Kyerematen criticized former President John Agyekum Kufuor for endorsing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, stating that the endorsement has led to political foot soldiers disrespecting him despite his distinguished career.
On Monday, November 18, Mr. Kyerematen described the endorsement as a “blot” on Kufuor’s legacy, arguing that it has opened the door for unwarranted criticism. “What he has done has created a big blot on his political career. You see how people are speaking against him. See how others are disrespecting him. For someone with a distinguished career in politics and everyone respects you, how do you now involve yourself in such matters, and now everybody criticizes you anyhow?” he sai
While maintaining respect for Mr. Kufuor, whom he described as “like an uncle,” Mr. Kyerematen advised the former president to avoid further involvement in endorsing candidates. “What he is doing is not right, he should stop it. He is the only person who knows why he is saying such things,” he added.
On Sunday, November 17, Mr. Kufuor expressed confidence in Dr. Bawumia’s ability to lead Ghana, stating that his presidency could transform the country’s economy. He highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s contributions during his tenure, particularly his work with the Bank of Ghana under Governor Dr. Paul Acquah, which revitalized the currency.
In response to the ongoing situation, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, a spokesperson for former President John Dramani Mahama, reacted on her X (formerly Twitter) page. She empathized with Mr. Kyerematen, saying, “Alan Cash, take heart, I can feel your pain and I understand your frustration, but please join the winning side—John Mahama and the NDC—so that together we can put all your naysayers to shame! Good morning, Sir! Have a great day!”
Meanwhile, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, another spokesperson for Mahama, commented on the matter, asserting that Kufuor’s endorsement of Bawumia does not guarantee victory for the NPP. “The consummate Danquah-Busia man that he is, President Kufuor is duty-bound to defend his party and campaign for its candidate. It doesn’t mean the electorate accepts his narrative. The NPP has been utter rubbish in government and must be thrown out!” he tweeted on November 18.