A founding member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, has expressed concern that Ghana’s widespread unemployment crisis is gradually evolving into a national security threat.
He pointed to the recent “Occupy Julorbi House” protests in Accra organized by the Democracy Hub as evidence of this growing concern.
Kyerematen made these remarks as he announced his resignation from the NPP and outlined his intentions to run as an Independent Candidate in the 2024 general elections.
“Every year over 300,000 graduates from tertiary institutions in Ghana, excluding those from secondary institutions, enter the job market with little or no hope of finding a job. Clearly, public sector employment is not an option, with an already over-bloated public service. This phenomenon of pervasive employment crisis is gradually becoming a national security threat, as evidenced by the recent “Occupy Julorbi House” demonstrations,” Kyerematen stated.
“The initial reaction of the Police in manhandling some protestors is not the solution to the problem. What Ghana needs now is CHANGE, which will provide long-lasting solutions to the challenges confronting our country,” he stated.
Kyerematen’s decision to resign from the NPP has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as he has been a dedicated member of the party for many years.
He is widely recognized for his contributions to the NPP and his various roles in government positions.
During a press conference held in Accra on Monday, September 25, Kyerematen explained, “It is abundantly clear to me that my services and contributions to the Party are not appreciated, and that my continued membership in the Party will only create further tension and division, similar to the circumstances that led to my resignation from the Party in 2008.”
“In light of these circumstances and the context provided, I wish to use this platform to formally announce my honourable resignation from the New Patriotic Party with immediate effect. I intend to run for the esteemed office of the President of the Republic of Ghana in the 2024 General Elections as an Independent Presidential Candidate,” he declared.
