Skirt-and-blouse to rock Ashanti Region as Alan turns the region yellow

Kumasi, the capital city of the Ashanti Region, was brought to a standstill on Saturday, October 19, 2024, as hundreds of thousands of supporters flooded the streets for Mr. Alan Kyerematen’s highly anticipated Afrafranto Mega Victory Walk. The massive event, marking the culmination of Mr. Kyerematen’s successful Caravan Campaign Tour in his home region, saw unprecedented participation, with an estimated 80-85% of the crowd made up of enthusiastic youth. The walk began at the historic Kumasi Culture Centre built by Alan's father, Alexander Atta Yaw Kyerematen and concluded at the Kumasi City Mall, in what many political analysts are calling the largest political walk in Ghana's history.

Alan Kyerematen used the occasion to express his profound gratitude to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, for granting him permission to hold the event on Asante land. He also thanked the revered King for his continuous support and blessing of the Great Transformational Plan (GTP), which is the cornerstone of his presidential campaign. Addressing the massive crowd, Kyerematen declared, “I am standing here today because of the Asante spirit in me. We are Asantes and we are not cowards. When you kill a thousand, a thousand more will come facing you,” drawing on the resilience and warrior spirit of the Asante Kingdom that has inspired his political journey.

The walk attracted unprecedented attention, with political observers noting that it surpassed all previous political walks Mr. Kyerematen has organized in both scale and significance. The remarkable turnout has been attributed largely to the high-profile endorsements he received from the Asantehene, chiefs, and other prominent figures across the Ashanti Region during his Caravan Campaign Tour. Chiefs including Ejisumanhene, Adansehene, Manwerehene, Offinsomanhene, Adobewurahene, Drobonsohene, and Mampongtenhene publicly declared their support for his candidacy, further solidifying his position as the leading contender in the 2024 elections.

The Kumasi Culture Centre, the starting point of the walk, holds deep cultural significance for the people of Asante and for Mr. Kyerematen personally. Built by his father, the Centre symbolizes the preservation of Asante heritage, and its selection as the launchpad for the event underscores Kyerematen’s strong connection to the roots and traditions of the Ashanti Kingdom. The importance of the Centre in this monumental walk highlighted his commitment to honoring his lineage while advancing a vision for the future through the GTP.

Political analysts have been quick to note the strategic timing of this event as the 2024 elections draw nearer. The overwhelming support from the youth is seen as a strong indication of the momentum behind Mr. Kyerematen’s presidential bid. Many believe that his ability to mobilize such large numbers in the Ashanti Region, coupled with the endorsement of traditional authorities, has cemented his position as a formidable candidate in what is shaping up to be a closely contested race.

Addressing the crowd after the walk, alongside his wife Mrs. Patricia Kyerematen, running mate Mr. Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD) and other senior partners of the Afrafranto Alliance, Mr. Kyerematen spoke candidly about the challenges he has faced throughout his political journey, attributing his endurance to the unwavering support of the Asante people and the indomitable spirit of the kingdom. “I am still standing because of the Asante spirit in me,” he declared to resounding applause. His words resonated deeply with the crowd, reinforcing his status not only as a political leader but also as a true son of the Asante soil.

The overwhelming success of the Afrafranto Mega Victory Walk has sent a strong message to the political establishment. As the crowd marched from the Culture Centre to the Kumasi City Mall, the streets were lined with supporters waving Asanteman flags, chanting, and singing in celebration of the Afrafranto Movement. The event showcased the strength of Mr. Kyerematen’s grassroots appeal, which many believe will be a decisive factor in the upcoming election.

Following this mammoth walk, a young man named Solomon Clocuh from Ablekuma Central in Greater Accra took to social media to post profound words that have since gone viral: “I will burn my NPP membership card tonight because it has become needless and useless. I now see it as a form of enslavement under partisan politics. Alan Kyerematen’s Movement for Change has set me free from this political slavery that enriches a few elites and their cronies while impoverishing the majority of Ghanaians.” This sentiment has been echoed by many others who attended the walk, with most expressing their frustrations with traditional partisan politics and vowing to vote "skirt-and-blouse" in the upcoming elections, splitting their votes to ensure that Alan Kyerematen emerges victorious.

In conclusion, Mr. Kyerematen once again thanked the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his blessings and the confidence he has placed in him and his Great Transformational Plan. He also expressed deep gratitude to the people of the Ashanti Region for their unwavering love and support. Emphasizing that with the blessing of the Almighty God, the Asantehene, and the people of the Ashanti Region, victory is within reach, Mr. Kyerematen has clearly emerged as the frontrunner in his quest for the presidency. As the sun set on Kumasi, the Afrafranto Alliance had undoubtedly reached new heights, with momentum building as the 2024 election approaches.