Alan Cash Fully Supported Nana Akufo-Addo - GAKE

The new pressure group, Get Alan Kyerematen Elected (GAKE) is still at a loss as to why the name of His Excellency, the former US Ambassador, John Alan Kyerematen (JAK the second) has been the subject of negative discussion of Akufo-Addo's persistent electoral defeats. These people, out of ignorance or malice often accuse the incoming NPP Flagbearer, Alan Kyerematen, the "humble giant" of apathy towards Nana Addo's campaigns in 2008 and 2012. Nana Addo and his supporters believe that, if Alan had campaigned vigorously enough for him, Nana would have emerged victorious in both elections. Some even perceive that Alan did resign from the party and this affected Nana Addo's chances in Election 2008. This publication by GAKE, therefore seeks to set the records straight.

First and foremost, GAKE finds the allegation unfounded because Alan did not conduct the 2012 general elections, and neither did he have over six (6) millions votes to make Nana Addo president. Again, Alan is somehow 'disliked' in the party by Nana Addo's loyalists because it is perceived that former president Kufuor wanted Alan to succeed him as the president. But, why should Alan be 'disliked' just because the most successful personality of the UP Tradition wanted him as his successor? Could people just 'dislike' Dr. Bawumia all because Nana Addo has chosen him as his running mate on two occasions? GAKE thinks that should not be the basis for hatred in the NPP at all.

GAKE therefore wishes to make it known to the public, especially Akufo-Addo's supporters that it is unfair to single out Alan Cash for condemnation on the basis of apathy, when Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, Hon. Isaac Osei and Pastor Koduahs, who also contested the flagbearership with Nana, have never been blamed for Akufo-Addo's defeats. It's always Alan and as Mario Balloteli puts it; "Why always me?" GAKE thus wants Akufo-Addo to come public on the kind of help he actually expected from Alan Kyerematen. Did he want Alan to be his Campaign Manager, running mate, or member of the Campaign or Communications Team?

GAKE wants to put on record that Alan was sidelined in most of NPP major rallies by the powers that be. At Mantse Agbonaa, for instance, Lord Commey, the man who nearly 'killed' our current party National Chairman, Paul Afoko during the 2007 NPP Congress, made sure Alan never spoke on that day. In the last election too, there was a time Alan was withdrawn from Akufo-Addo's convoy by his security apparatus. They did all the above, because they thought Alan Kyerematen posed as a threat to Nana's presidency. But, as the late Prophet Marley said; "Who Jah Bless, No one Curse". Alan, as a find gentleman kept all these 'negativities' to himself to avoid any confusion within the party.

GAKE believes that, Alan, like any other politician works, travels, re-strategises when the need arises. Readers would recall that the late Prof. Mills made his way to the US for further studies after losing to Kufuor in 2000. Similarly, Dr. Bawumia worked in Zimbabwe after the NPP's electoral defeat in 2008. And just recently, Nana Addo, after trying unsuccessfully to win his presidency at the Supreme Court instead of the polling station, took cover in the United Kingdom (UK) for six (6) solid months. What prevents Alan, who equally possesses Ghana passport, to leave this country to work as an Acting Director of World Trade Organisation (WTO), and also vie for that position on a permanent basis? What is good for the goose is equally good for the gander.

GAKE would like to state on authority that, Alan has been a loyal member of the NPP from 1992 to date. As a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC), he has contributed a lot to the political development of the NPP. Alan personally donated 40 Pick-ups and money towards the 2012 campaign. There are also video evidences to show to Ghanaians that Alan actually campaigned with Nana Addo and Bawumia in the Central, Brong-Ahafo, and Northern Regions. At the Supreme Court, Alan was given only five (5) tags/accreditation to enter the Courtroom which he did, but here again people are accusing him of his absence from the court. What role did people expect Alan to play at the Supreme Court, when they knew Alan was neither Atuguba nor Philip Addison?

GAKE therefore pleads with all those who harbour ill-feelings against Alan to have a change of mind and heart and cast their mind back at the 2008 election run-off, where Alan increased the percentage votes of NPP Ashanti by 5%. Alan sacrificed his presidential ambition in Election 2008, when he allowed Akufo-Addo to go unopposed as NPP flag-bearer in 2007 at Legon. "Mpanin se, s3 woannya me ay3 a ns3e me din". It was as a result of the 2007 sacrifice that Akufo-Addo remarked; "Alan, take your time, you'd be president after me".

GAKE further reminds delegates about Akufo-Addo's acceptance speech on August 8, 2010, after being retained as NPP's flag-bearer, where he said; "I know I have failed Ghanaians and cannot share the blame with anybody. I will not let you down this time". Having made such a statement, coupled with the facts raised above, why should anybody think for a minute that, Alan is the cause of Akufo-Addo's electoral defeats?

GAKE believes that the NPP is in dire need of power and not just flagbearer. And looking at Nana Addo's depreciating votes from 49.13% in 2008 to 47.74% in 2012, with one and a half regions, delegates do not need a rocket scientist to tell the NPP that, our beloved party is heading for a disaster with Nana Addo as flag-bearer. Let's all join hands with GAKE to educate the delegates to give Alan Cash the nod in December, for he has the magic wand to win the needed power for the NPP. Think Alan! Think Power!

GAKE; one more change for power!

...Signed ...

Katakyie Kwame Opoku Agyemang

(National Coordinator - 0202471070; 0547851100; katakyienpp@yahoo.co.uk)