On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Alan Kyerematen, the presidential candidate of the Afrafranto Alliance, accompanied by his running mate, Kwame Owusu Danso and some of the leaders of the Alliance, paid a courtesy visit to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace.
The visit was part of a larger Caravan Campaign Tour in the Ashanti Region ahead of the 7th December General Election. While the occasion was significant in itself, the most remarkable takeaway was the Asantehene’s powerful endorsement of Mr. Kyerematen’s Great Transformational Plan (GTP).
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in his remarks, expressed high praise for Alan Kyerematen’s comprehensive GTP, describing it as a visionary development blueprint capable of steering Ghana onto the path of sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
He urged the presidential candidate to ensure that Ghanaians understand the depth and impact of the GTP, as it holds the solutions to the country’s most pressing problems. The king’s words were a reflection of the growing sentiment among Ghanaians in various sectors who believe that Mr. Kyerematen’s GTP is the right plan to transform the nation’s fortunes.
“Even though I have not read through the entire document he presented to me, but with the little I’ve read and the explanation he gave from his speech, if this is truly his vision for the country, then he will transform Ghana. Our prayer is that all the political parties and aspirants will see what is troubling the country so that they may devise solutions to them for us to have peace and progress,” the Asantehene said.
The Asantehene’s endorsement of the GTP is not an isolated voice. Many prominent figures from Ghana’s private sector, academia, business community, and civil society organizations have also heaped praise on the plan. They recognize it as a robust and forward-thinking strategy that addresses key challenges in the economy, governance, and social sectors. The addition of Otumfuo’s influential voice to these endorsements solidifies the perception that Alan Kyerematen has done an exceptional job in crafting a plan that can truly change Ghana’s future.
As the former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen’s expertise in economic development and trade is widely recognized. His experience shines through in the GTP, which has been designed with detailed, practical steps to tackle the country’s long-standing issues. Otumfuo’s endorsement highlights the GTP’s comprehensive nature, which covers a wide array of sectors, each offering clear, actionable solutions to the problems facing Ghanaians.
The GTP is organized into various clusters, each addressing critical areas of Ghana’s development. These clusters include economic revitalization, infrastructure development, industrialization, and governance reform. Additionally, the GTP places a strong emphasis on youth empowerment, digital transformation, and agriculture modernization. By addressing these key areas, the GTP provides targeted solutions to unemployment, economic instability, poor infrastructure, corruption, and other challenges currently plaguing the country.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II pointed out that the GTP is a well-thought-out national development plan. According to the Asantehene, the detailed nature of the GTP and its clear focus on the long-term well-being of Ghanaians make it stand out as the blueprint that can finally put Ghana on a steady path to prosperity.
This is why Alan Kyerematen’s campaign in the Ashanti Region is being closely watched by many. His plan, which already resonates with professionals in key sectors, has now been given the full backing of one of the most influential traditional leaders in the country. Otumfuo’s endorsement signifies the alignment of the Ashanti Kingdom with the vision Alan Kyerematen has laid out for Ghana’s future.
The support for the GTP extends far beyond the Ashanti Region, with voices from civil society and business leaders across the country advocating for its implementation. The clear endorsement of the plan from a leader as respected as Otumfuo only adds more momentum to this growing national support.
As Alan Kyerematen continues his 21-day campaign tour in the Ashanti Region, the energy and optimism surrounding his candidacy are evident. With Otumfuo Osei Tutu II adding his voice to those praising the GTP, it’s clear that Kyerematen’s Great Transformational Plan has gained widespread credibility and is seen by many as the roadmap that will transform Ghana’s fortunes for generations to come. One refreshing moment during the visit was when Otumfuo remembered Alan Kyerematen’s birthday, which falls on October 3, and wished him a happy birthday in advance, adding a personal touch to an already momentous occasion.
By James Kumi-Korsah
