Flag bearer hopeful of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen says he is humbled and grateful to the group of market queens who have demonstrated their support to him by picking his nomination form on Wednesday, 31 May 2023.

“I am humbled and grateful to the incredible market queens who have generously contributed to my pursuit in leading the NPP into victory in 2024. Your resolute support and belief in my vision for our great nation is truly inspiring,” Mr Kyerematen said in a Facebook post to express his appreciation.

He said the market queens who are the backbone of Ghana’s local economies, by their action, have once again shown the world the power of unity and determination.

He urged them to join him so they can together, dare to dream, to hope, and to create a prosperous and united nation for all.

Mr Kyerematen resigned from his position as Trades Minister in January 2023 to focus on his presidential ambitions.

The 67-year-old made his first attempt to lead the New Patriotic Party as its flagbearer in 2007 but failed in his bid as Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emerged as the winner.

Popularly known as “Alan Cash”, Mr. Kyerematen made other attempts in 2010 and 2014 but was unsuccessful.

He has been championing the government’s One District One Factory initiative since 2018, birthing about 170 factories across the country.

Under Mr. Kyerematen’s leadership at the Trade Ministry, the country also witnessed the production of local vehicles by auto giants such as Suzuki, VW, Nissan, Sino Trucks among others under the Automotive Development Policy.

Alan Kyerematen served in the same position between 2003 and 2007.

He has an extensive and distinguished record in international trade and public policy, enterprise development, politics and diplomacy.

He is a former Ambassador to the US, UN Policy Advisor, a lawyer and a Senior Corporate Executive. As Ghana’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Presidential Special Initiatives from 2003 to 2007, he led the design, development and implementation of innovative programmes and special interventions which have become new strategic pillars of growth for the Ghanaian economy.

He also played a key role in shaping Africa’s Trade Policy agenda in the WTO, the EU-ACP Economic Partnership Negotiations, AGOA and UNCTAD.