By Collins Sarkodieh 
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is being urged to reconcile with former heavyweight Alan Kyerematen to strengthen its base ahead of the next general elections. Nana Akomea, a key member of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s camp, suggested that bringing Kyerematen back is a logical step for a party that is already attempting to win over neutral voters and opposition supporters.
Reconciliation serves as a strategic maneuver to consolidate “natural constituencies” voters who already share the party’s core values but may have left due to previous misunderstandings or “hurt feelings”. Akomea argues that if the NPP is willing to court National Democratic Congress (NDC) members, it makes even more sense to reconnect with former loyalists who have deep roots in the party.
While Dr. Bawumia has not yet officially discussed this move with his inner circle, Akomea insists that such a reconciliation “should be on the cards”. By bridging these internal divides, the NPP could present a more unified front, leveraging the influence of veteran figures like Kyerematen to maximize their appeal across the national electorate.
Is the time right for Alan Kyerematen to return to the NPP?
Nana Akomea believes the timing is ideal for a reunion because the passage of time has likely softened the tensions that caused the initial division. He argues that political parties must be inclusive, and bringing back a former “heavyweight” like Alan Kyerematen would naturally strengthen the party’s competitive edge.
Politics is often a game of addition rather than subtraction. Akomea points out that since the party is already targeting neutrals and NDC supporters, the easiest path to expansion is through people who were once part of the fold. For Alan Kyerematen specifically, a return would signal a healing process that could inspire other former members to reconsider their departure.
The former STC boss emphasized that his advice to Dr. Bawumia, if asked, would be a resounding “yes”. He views the return of such high-profile figures as a way to “rebuild and expand support” without the friction often associated with converting rival partisans from scratch.
How would an “Alan-Bawumia” reconciliation impact the NPP’s chances?
A successful reconciliation would likely consolidate the NPP’s “natural constituencies,” preventing the splintering of votes that typically occurs when heavyweights leave to form their own movements. Reintegrating Kyerematen’s supporters back into the main NPP fold provides a more robust foundation for a national campaign.
Internal unity is often a prerequisite for external victory. By reaching out to Kyerematen, Dr. Bawumia would demonstrate a leadership style focused on consensus-building and forgiveness. This could appeal to the “neutrals” Nana Akomea mentioned, as voters often favor parties that can manage their internal disagreements effectively before asking to manage the country.
Furthermore, Kyerematen’s years of experience in trade and industry bring a specific expertise that could bolster the party’s economic messaging. If he returns and is fully integrated into the campaign, his presence could help shore up support in key regions where he remains a popular and respected figure.
Why does Nana Akomea prioritize former members over opposition converts?
Akomea argues that former members are part of the NPP’s “natural constituency” and therefore require less effort to convince than those with no “natural love” for the party. While the NPP is targeting NDC supporters, he believes it is more practical to first secure the loyalty of those who already understand the party’s traditions and ideologies.
Reconciliation is described as a “deal” that benefits everyone involved. By focusing on former members, the party avoids the high “conversion cost” associated with winning over a lifelong political opponent. It’s a matter of logic: if you can sit down with an enemy, you should certainly be able to sit down with a former friend who felt slighted.
This strategic focus aims to close the gaps that opened during the party’s internal primaries. For Akomea, the goal is simple: use the next few months to heal wounds and enter the election season as a monolithic force that is too large and too unified to be ignored.
Factual Insights into the NPP Internal Dynamics:
- Alan Kyerematen’s Departure: Mr. Kyerematen left the NPP following the party’s presidential primaries to lead his own movement, citing various internal grievances.
- Nana Akomea’s Role: Akomea is a leading member of the Mahamudu Bawumia campaign and a former Managing Director of the State Transport Company (STC).
- Strategic Targeting: The NPP’s current strategy involves courting “neutrals” and National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters to expand its reach.
- Constituency Strategy: Political analysts define “natural constituencies” as groups of voters with historical or ideological ties to a specific party.
- Bawumia’s Inner Circle: Dr. Bawumia’s advisers are currently considering various reconciliation moves, though official discussions on Kyerematen have not yet been publicized.
- Mediation Efforts: Reconciliations in Ghanaian politics often involve elder statesmen and high-ranking party officials acting as intermediaries.
Can Dr. Bawumia effectively lead a unified NPP into the next election?
If Dr. Bawumia accepts the advice of his “inner circle” and successfully brings Kyerematen back, his path to the presidency becomes significantly clearer. A unified party reduces the risk of “skirt and blouse” voting—where voters choose the party’s presidential candidate but reject their local MP—which can be devastating for a parliamentary majority.
Success will depend on the sincerity of the approach. Nana Akomea suggested that any return must be handled with the understanding that “hurt feelings” need time and genuine effort to heal. If handled properly, the NPP could enter the next election cycle with its most formidable lineup in years, combining the youthful energy of Bawumia with the veteran gravitas of Kyerematen.
Ultimately, the burden of the first move lies with the leadership. As Akomea noted, “if he’s approached and he wants to come back, all the better for the party”. The coming months will reveal if Dr. Bawumia is ready to turn this advice into a political reality.
The call to “Bring Alan back” is more than just a plea for a former member to return; it is a strategic blueprint for the NPP’s survival and expansion. By identifying former members as a “natural constituency,” Nana Akomea has highlighted the most efficient way for the party to grow its numbers before the next election.
If the NPP can successfully reconcile with its former heavyweights, it will send a powerful message of maturity and unity to the Ghanaian electorate. While the road to the next election is long, the advice of the Bawumia camp’s “inner circle” suggests that the party is ready to choose addition over division.
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