Alleged EC and NPP Plot to Disqualify Alan Cash and Cheddar in December Polls exposed
Kyerematen's independent candidacy, along with Bediako's rising influence among the youth, particularly in Akan communities, presents a formidable challenge to the NPP and the broader political establishment.
In a dramatic revelation, highly confidential sources within Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) have exposed what appears to be a covert operation designed to disqualify prominent challengers in the upcoming presidential election. The alleged plot is believed to be an effort by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to secure its hold on power despite widespread discontent over its governance.
According to insiders, the scheme involves collaboration between key figures within the NPP and certain officials of the EC. The primary targets of this plot are Mr. Alan Kyerematen, leader of the newly established Movement for Change party—a breakaway faction from the NPP—and Mr. Kweku Bediako, an independent presidential candidate backed by the “New Force” movement. Both candidates are seen as significant threats to the NPP’s electoral prospects, which have been increasingly undermined by declining support in its traditional strongholds.
Notably, both Kyerematen and Bediako hail from the Ashanti and Eastern regions, historically strong bases for the NPP. The ruling party is reportedly concerned that these candidates, both of whom are of Akan ethnicity, could siphon off substantial support from these regions, especially given that the NPP’s current flagbearer is from the minority Mamprusi tribe in the North and Upper East regions.
The NPP’s fears are compounded by the possibility that Kyerematen and his supporters could reveal sensitive election strategies, further destabilizing the party. The first phase of the alleged plot involves infiltrating the camps of these candidates to sabotage their nomination process, which requires endorsements from representatives in all 275 constituencies. If this strategy fails, the NPP is said to have allies within the EC ready to employ other means to obstruct the successful filing of their nomination papers.
The Movement for Change has been gaining momentum at the grassroots level, particularly among women and youth in Akan communities, a development that has reportedly caused significant concern within the NPP. Earlier this year, the party alleged attempts by the NPP to bribe its supporters, with varying degrees of success. “We have been aware of a grand scheme to lure, by way of bribery, some of our people back to the NPP. There are a few weak links who have fallen for it, and there are several others who were contacted but turned it down,” said Nobi, a senior campaigner for the Movement for Change.
Despite the government’s reported influence over the EC through politically aligned appointments, internal dissatisfaction within the NPP is growing. Many party members and supporters are becoming increasingly aware of the government’s unfulfilled promises and the resulting neglect.
In a significant twist, Alan Kyerematen, a former Minister for Trade and Industry and a long-time member of the NPP, announced his departure from the party last September to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 elections. His decision, driven by perceived neglect and the desire to avoid further division within the NPP, has sent shockwaves through Ghana’s political landscape. “It is clear to me that my dedication and efforts for the Party go unacknowledged, and my continued presence will only foster discord and division,” Kyerematen stated during a press conference in Accra.
Kyerematen’s independent candidacy, along with Bediako’s rising influence among the youth, particularly in Akan communities, presents a formidable challenge to the NPP and the broader political establishment. This election is shaping up to be a crucial test of Ghana’s democratic institutions and the resilience of its political system.
