In the ever-evolving landscape of Ghanaian politics, recent events have sent shockwaves through the Eastern Region. Two prominent Members of Parliament, Abena Osei Asare and Davis Ansah Opoku (OPK), have taken a decisive step by distancing themselves from Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, a former flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This move comes in response to Kyerematen’s surprising decision to break away from the NPP and run as an independent candidate in the upcoming 2024 elections. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this political rift and the statements made by these two MPs, shedding light on the implications and underlying dynamics of this significant development.
A Shift in Loyalty
Abena Osei Asare, Deputy Minister for Finance and Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, initially supported Alan Kyerematen due to his affiliation with the NPP. However, in her recent statement, she made it clear that her support was rooted in her party allegiance. She stated,
“First and foremost, while I enjoy both a personal and professional relationship with Alan Kyerematen, characterized by mutual respect and a shared commitment to our nation’s progress, I must respectfully distance myself from his recent choice.”
Osei Asare emphasized the importance of unity within the NPP, highlighting that the party’s strength has always been its ability to work together for the common good of Ghana. She urged fellow party members to look toward the future, keeping the best interests of the NPP and the nation in mind.
OPK’s Disappointment
Davis Ansah Opoku (OPK), Member of Parliament for Mpreaso, echoed similar sentiments in his statement. He expressed his deep disappointment in Kyerematen’s decision to abandon the NPP, emphasizing the principles of party loyalty and unity as vital to Ghana’s democratic process. OPK remarked,
“The decision is profoundly disappointing. It is a disheartening departure from the principles of party loyalty and unity, which are fundamental to our democratic process. The NPP has always thrived on the strength of its agreement and the collective support of its members.”
Despite Kyerematen’s departure, OPK remained resolute in his commitment to the NPP and its vision for Ghana. He firmly believed that the NPP, with its proven track record of good governance and development, remained the best choice to lead the nation in the 2024 elections and beyond. He called on party members to reaffirm their loyalty, put aside their differences, and focus on the shared goal of delivering progress, prosperity, and good governance to the people of Ghana.
A Growing Divide
The decisions of Abena Osei Asare and Davis Ansah Opoku add to a growing list of NPP members from the Eastern Region distancing themselves from Alan Kyerematen. Sylvester Tetteh and Samuel Ayeh-Paye had previously taken similar steps, signaling a significant divide within the party’s ranks.
The political landscape in Ghana is undoubtedly evolving rapidly, and the 2024 elections promise to be a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. As the NPP faces internal divisions, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the party’s unity and electoral prospects. The coming months will be crucial in determining the path that Abena Osei Asare, Davis Ansah Opoku, and other party members choose to follow.
In conclusion, the Eastern Region’s political scene has witnessed a seismic shift with the distancing of these two prominent MPs from Alan Kyerematen and his independent candidacy. While unity has been a cornerstone of the NPP’s strength, these developments underscore the challenges the party faces in the run-up to the 2024 elections.