Politics of Friday, 16 August 2024

Source: Aminu Ibrahim, Contributor

NPP Upper West Chairman reunites breakaway pro-Alan group with NPP

NPP Upper West Chairman, Alhaji Aziz Rahman White NPP Upper West Chairman, Alhaji Aziz Rahman White

The Upper West Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Aziz Rahman White, has successfully reintegrated a group of pro-Alan Kyerematen supporters in the Upper West Region back into the NPP fold.

The pro-Alan supporters, who were once loyal members of the NPP, had defected to support Alan Kyerematen after he resigned from the party and announced to go independent for the 2024 general elections.

Mr. Kyerematen, the former Minister for Trade and Industry, initially contested the NPP’s presidential primaries but withdrew after the first round, leading to the formation of his own political movement, the Movement for Change.

This departure left a rift within the NPP, particularly among those who had supported Kyerematen's bid for the presidency.

However, under the new leadership of Alhaji Aziz White, who ascended to the position of Regional Chairman following the unfortunate passing of his predecessor, Mr. SB Kangbere, the NPP in the Upper West Region has seen a renewed sense of unity.

Chairman White, drawing on his years of experience as the first Vice Regional Chairman, engaged the breakaway group in a series of discussions aimed at restoring their faith in the NPP and its leadership.

In a decisive act of reconciliation, Chairman White convinced the pro-Alan group to return to the NPP and renew their commitment to the party’s cause.

He emphasized the importance of unity and the need to rally behind the NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as well as the party’s parliamentary candidates across the region.

"The NPP is not just a political party; it is a family. And in this family, we may have our differences, but our shared vision for a prosperous Ghana binds us together. Let us work hand in hand to secure victory for our presidential candidate, Dr. Bawumia, and for our parliamentary candidates in the upcoming elections," Chairman White said during the symbolic return of the group on Friday, August 9, 2024.

This strategic move by Chairman White has not only restored the party’s unity in the Upper West Region but also enhanced its prospects for the 2024 elections.

The return of the pro-Alan supporters is expected to significantly boost the NPP’s membership base, creating a more formidable campaign force as the elections draw near.

Chairman White renovated the office of the former pro-Alan group, now christened Love of Bawumia, painted in the red, white, and blue colours of the NPP.

The leadership of the group expressed profound appreciation to Chairman White and promised their unflinching support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the parliamentary candidates of the NPP.

Political analysts in the region have praised Chairman White's leadership, noting that his ability to resolve internal conflicts and bring back estranged members could prove pivotal to the party's electoral success.

As the NPP prepares for the 2024 general elections, the regional chairman’s influence is likely to attract even more supporters, further solidifying the party’s standing in the Upper West Region.

In the words of one political observer, "Chairman White has not just brought back a group of supporters; he has revitalized the spirit of the NPP in the Upper West Region. With his leadership, the party is not just looking at winning elections—it is looking at a future of sustained growth and dominance."

The NPP in the Upper West Region presently holds three out of eleven parliamentary seats and looks forward to annexing a number of them, which are held by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which boasts a parliamentary majority in the region.

With this significant political move by the chairman, who seems to have his eyes keen on the ball with his ability to unite and strengthen the party at such a critical time, the NPP might pull a strong comeback.