It is often said that every generation brings forth its type of leadership. In the pre-colonial era for instance, the Gold Coasters were yearning for a leadership that could fight against colonial rule in order to gain independence for the people. Then emerged the likes of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Dr. J.B. Danquah.

The post-colonial era witnessed political instability and the people expected leaders who could restore democracy, protect fundamental human rights, and promote rule of law. Rawlings came to restore stability in the political leadership by preventing further military take-overs.

However, in recent past, especially after the inception of the 4th Republic, Ghanaians have been looking for a practical economist, and a transformational leader, who has the international clout to solve the myriad of problems confronting Ghana, and lead her to the path of economic independence.

Former President Kufuor came with such innovations as free maternal care, national health insurance scheme, national youth employment programme among others. Unfortunately, the above-mentioned programmes could not be sustained by the Mills-Mahama leadership. It appears Ghana has trailing behind economic development by 20 years.

This bleak situation therefore calls for the intervention of a transformational and exceptional leader, who has the experience, knowledge, international clout, and vision to fix the rot and propel Ghana on the right economic path. GAKE strongly believes that Alan Kyerematen fits the bill by virtue of his rich private and public life over the years.

• Knowledge, it is often said, is power. There is no doubt that Alan is a very knowledgeable person. He was only 9 years old when he entered Adisadel College. As a brilliant guy, Alan proceeded to the University of Ghana, Legon for a degree in economics, and later, for his LLB. He therefore comes into this election not only as a lawyer, but also a businessman, diplomat, and more importantly, practical economist.

• Secondly, at age 58 years as we speak now, Alan undoubtedly acts as a bridge between the young and the old. Alan could therefore be sworn in as president in 2017 at age 61, which is almost the same age as then Prez Kufuor.

• Thirdly, Alan has vast experience in management. For instance, at age 22 years, he became the Manager of UAC Ghana Ltd, a subsidiary of Unilever International, and was also appointed by the UNDP as the first Regional Director of ENTERPRISE AFRICA, and a founder of EMPRETEC.

• Again, between 1984 and 1990, Alan became the Principal Consultant and Head of Public Systems Management with the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI).

• Besides, it was as a result of Alan's depth of knowledge and potential that the New York Time Magazine in 1994 listed him alongside Bill Gates (Microsoft Corporation), and John F. Kennedy Jr., as one of the Hundred (100) Global Leaders for the new millennium.

• Furthermore, Alan has served as a trade advisor at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and has headed the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC); a centre to strengthen the human and institutional capacities of African governments for sound trade policies.

• Also, Alan was designated as a Special Envoy of the African Union to hold consultations with selected African Heads of State prior to the 18th African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government in January 2012.

• Interestingly, Ghana on 17th December, 2012, nominated Alan for the post of WTO Director-General to succeed the then current Director-General, Mr Pascal Lamy, whose term of office was to expire on 31 August 2013.

• In 2001, Alan was nominated as an Ambassador to the US. He used that opportunity to establish the US-Ghana Economic Council, a high-level advocacy and advisory group meant to deepen economic relations and bilateral trade between Ghana and the United States.

• Alan coordinated Government’s re-negotiation of the Westel agreement with Western Wireless, and Valco Agreement with Kaiser Aluminium Company. In the end the government of Ghana purchased VALCO at $20m during the Kufuor regime.

• Besides, Alan coordinated and implemented the first Investment Forum in the United States to showcase the economic potential of each of the 10 regions of Ghana. This has increased foreign direct investment in the country.

• Alan established the first web-based Ghana Skills Bank, a database designed to facilitate access to Ghanaian professionals and experts worldwide.

• Alan initiated the Ghana Cultural Centre in the United of States to promote the country's culture in the US, especially among Ghanaians living abroad.

• Alan developed an “Operation Save Your Schools Programme” for Ghana residents in the United States to assist their alma mater (primary/middle school) back home.

• Alan's negotiation skills led to the arrival of Cosmos Energy in Ghana to discover oil in commercial quantities. The oil find gives Ghana $2billion a month.

• Alan started the negotiation on the release of $547m from the US government through the Millennium Challenge Accounts (MCA) to alleviate poverty in Ghana. The 14km George Walker Bush road is a living testimony.

Fellow delegates, the above are some of the managerial experiences of the man, Alan Kyerematen. In part II of the next article, GAKE would bring forth Alan's contribution as a Minister of Trade, Industry, and PSI. We will continue with his vision for the NPP in particular, and Ghana as a whole as the campaign gets hotter. Let's do Ghanaians a favour by electing Alan as the next NPP flag-bearer, for he has proven beyond reasonable doubt that, he can do the job better than others.

Kindly, join GAKE as we set to have our National Conference on Sunday, August 3, 2014 in Kumasi. GAKE; one more change for power!

...Signed...

Katakyie Kwame Opoku Agyemang

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

Gabriel Osei Kufuor - Organiser

Aboagye Danso - PRO

Kamir Muhammed - Operations

Anita Opoku - Women's Organiser

Agyemang Duah - Secretary