Former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has made remarks that contradict his previous stance on the government’s decision to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2021. In a recent interview on Accra-based UTV, Kyerematen claimed that he was one of the few state officials who defended the move to go to the IMF for financial assistance when the government faced fiscal challenges.
He expressed surprise that the Finance Minister at the time, Ken Ofori-Atta, did not publicly defend the decision to seek IMF support. Kyerematen stated in Twi, “Did you hear from the Finance Minister, having the confidence to defend it? It was only me and a few people who defended it and calmed the nerves of Ghanaians.”
This statement is in stark contrast to what Kyerematen had said during his campaign to become the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer in the Greater Accra Region in July. At that time, he had criticized the government’s decision to go to the IMF and had claimed that he had brought the PSI (Policy Support Instrument) program to Ghana. He suggested that if Ghanaians had listened to him, the country would not have needed to seek a bailout from the IMF.
Kyerematen’s recent comments have raised questions about his evolving stance on key economic policies and government decisions. His shift in position on the IMF bailout could potentially influence public perceptions of his economic expertise and policy consistency.
Additionally, in the same interview, Kyerematen emphasized that he is not asking members of other political parties to leave their respective parties but to vote for him as president in the 2024 elections. He suggested that voters could support their party’s candidates for parliamentary seats but cast their presidential votes for him.
These statements reflect Kyerematen’s strategy as he embarks on an independent presidential campaign for the 2024 elections. His ability to attract support from individuals across the political spectrum will be a critical factor in determining the success of his candidacy.
