By Alex Ababio
Alan Kyerematen, leader and presidential candidate of the Afrafranto Alliance in the 2024 elections, led a delegation on Friday to visit President-elect John Dramani Mahama at his office. The purpose of the visit was to formally congratulate Mr. Mahama on his victory and explore ways to collaborate on national development.
In his remarks, Mr. Kyerematen, a former Minister for Trade and Industry, stressed the need for a government of national unity. “We must reduce excessive partisanship and focus on inclusivity to harness talents across the political spectrum,” he said. He added that such an approach could prevent the abandonment of government projects and foster continuity in development.
Mr. Kyerematen also presented a copy of his Great Transformational Plan (GTP) to Mr. Mahama, explaining its two central themes. He stated, “The GTP seeks to move Ghana beyond reliance on IMF interventions. It emphasizes stabilizing the macroeconomy and investing in industrialization, agriculture, and tourism to create sustainable jobs.”
He further called for a robust commitment to tackling corruption and eradicating illegal mining, which he described as a “national menace with severe economic and environmental consequences.”
President-elect Mahama expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing Mr. Kyerematen as a “political heavyweight with a visionary approach to Ghana’s challenges.” He acknowledged the potential of the GTP, assuring, “Any ideas borrowed from your plan will be duly credited to you.”
On illegal mining, Mr. Mahama admitted, “Despite sound policies and regulations, political interference has made enforcement difficult.” He pledged to make sincere efforts to address the issue effectively.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of tackling pressing national challenges such as corruption, unemployment, and illegal mining through collective and sustained efforts.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing Ghana’s development agenda.
Later, in an informal conversation, Mr. Mahama expressed his regret over the internal divisions within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that prompted Mr. Kyerematen’s exit. Extending his goodwill, he said, “I hope the NPP can find unity as they address their internal challenges.”