Former Minister of Tourism and member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Catherine Afeku, says her loyalty to the party has remained intact despite once supporting Alan Kyerematen, who withdrew from the party ahead of the 2024 elections.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Women, Power & Politics, Afeku acknowledged her past alignment with Kyerematen, but emphasized that she ultimately chose to return to the NPP because of her principles, particularly loyalty.
“He withdrew from the party. He is still a good friend and a nice gentleman, but then again, you set your standards and my value is loyalty.”
Mad. Afeku explained that while she respects Kyerematen as a friend and admires his work, her political identity has always been shaped by the party and by key figures who first brought her into politics.
“Remember Mrs Oboshie Sai Cofie is with the NPP, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey is with the NPP, Nana Akufo-Addo is with the NPP. My loyalty is to the party but I have no qualms. Mr Kyerematen is a fine gentleman.”
She noted that Oboshie Sai Cofie, herself a stalwart of the NPP, introduced her to politics and remains an important influence in her career.
Reflecting on her earlier relationship with Kyerematen, Afeku recalled inviting him to a cultural event she organised during his time as Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States.
“When he was the ambassador in Washington, I was in Atlanta and we invited him to the festivities I organised, so I respect him but my loyalty is to the NPP and he respects that.”
She added that being honest about her political stance has earned her respect, even from those who took different paths.
“I told him that I’m not for shifting to the person, I’m for the party and when you are upfront with people you deal with, they tend to respect you. Whether good or bad, I’m NPP.”
Alan Kyerematen resigned from the NPP in 2023 after years of attempting to lead the party. He cited a lack of fairness in the internal presidential primaries and what he called a “hijacking” of the party by a select group of individuals. His departure led to the formation of the Movement for Change, under which he contested the 2024 general elections as an independent presidential candidate.
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