The Adansehene, Opagyakotwere Bonsra Afriyie II, has thrown his full support behind the presidential candidate of the Movement for Change, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, praising his bold vision to review and amend Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. The revered traditional ruler, speaking at his palace in Fomena during Mr. Kyerematen’s campaign tour of the Ashanti Region, highlighted the necessity for constitutional change as a crucial step in addressing the country’s developmental challenges.

He described Mr. Kyerematen as the only candidate with the courage to tackle this issue head-on.

"The so-called lawyers who boycotted the constitution at the time have done nothing about it since coming into power," Adansehene stated, in a thinly veiled jab at the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The NPP, which boycotted the drafting of the 1992 Constitution, has ruled the country for several terms, but according to the Adansehene, they have failed to address the flaws in the constitution they initially opposed.

"For you to have thought that you will change the constitution is a big plus for you. None of those going around with their campaigns have said they will change the constitution if elected," the Adansehene added, in reference to Alan Kyerematen’s constitutional reform agenda.

The Adansehene noted that the current constitution, drafted by a military regime, has entrenched a political duopoly that has stifled Ghana’s development. "If we don’t change the constitution of the country, we will go the same way, and there will be no development," he said, emphasizing the need for constitutional reforms to break the cycle of poverty and stagnation.

He pointed out that the 1992 Constitution was designed by a military government to consolidate power, leaving little room for true democratic progress. "The framer of the constitution knew he was going to win the next election, so he drafted it to suit him at the time," the Adansehene remarked.

Opagyakotwere Bonsra Afriyie II’s endorsement of Alan Kyerematen reflects the growing frustration within the Ashanti Region, a traditional stronghold of the NPP, over the failure of both the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to bring about meaningful change. The Adansehene expressed his belief that Ghana needs a "third force" to break the NPP-NDC cycle of state capture, and he sees Alan Kyerematen as that alternative. "Ghana needs a third party, no doubt about that," he declared, adding that the country can no longer afford to be held hostage by two political parties.

He further urged Ghanaians to embrace the leadership and vision of Alan Kyerematen, whom he described as offering a real alternative to the entrenched political system. "This election is about individual candidates," the Adansehene stressed. "We hope your message will be well received by the people because it is clear you are offering a real alternative to the old politics of NDC and NPP." He expressed confidence that Mr. Kyerematen’s policies, particularly his Great Transformational Plan (GTP), could lead the country out of its current challenges.

Alan Kyerematen, during his visit, reiterated his commitment to constitutional reform, noting that it was a crucial part of his Great Transformational Plan. "Our constitution needs to be re-examined if we are to address the core issues that are holding back our progress," Mr. Kyerematen said, adding that a review of the 1992 Constitution would form part of his agenda to restructure the country’s governance system.

His message resonated with the traditional leaders and residents of Fomena, who praised his focus on addressing the real issues affecting the country.

The Adansehene also commended Mr. Kyerematen for running a campaign that focuses on issues rather than personal attacks. "You have done well with your campaign. It has been decent and focused on what matters to Ghanaians," he said. This endorsement of Kyerematen’s political style mirrors the sentiments of many Ghanaians who are tired of the acrimony in politics and are looking for leadership that prioritizes national interests.

Alan Kyerematen’s tour of the Ashanti Region has gained significant traction, with increasing numbers of people in the region expressing their support for his candidacy. His Great Transformational Plan, which emphasizes job creation, youth empowerment, and economic reform, has struck a chord with voters eager for change. "Alan is our best hope," a resident of Fomena remarked, echoing the widespread belief that Mr. Kyerematen represents a break from the old political order.

As the 2024 elections approach, Alan Kyerematen’s message of constitutional reform and national transformation appears to be gaining momentum, particularly in regions like Ashanti. With endorsements from influential traditional leaders like the Adansehene, the Movement for Change is emerging as a formidable force, poised to challenge the status quo and offer Ghanaians a new path to development.