Stories and facts
Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, a distinguished Ghanaian politician born on October 3, 1955, has left an indelible mark on the political landscape of Ghana. His illustrious career spans politics, diplomacy, and public service, reflecting a commitment to national development.
Born to Alexander Atta Yaw Kyerematen and Victoria Kyerematen, Alan Kyerematen's early life was shaped by a rich familial legacy. His father, a social anthropologist and prominent figure in Kumasi, influenced Kyerematen's educational journey. Named after the headmaster of Adisadel College, Alan John Knight, Kyerematen followed in his father's footsteps by attending Adisadel College for secondary education. He later pursued his sixth form education at Achimota School before earning a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Ghana, Legon.
Notably, Kyerematen holds a law degree from the Ghana Law School and is a practicing attorney-at-law. His academic pursuits extended to the University of Minnesota, U.S., where he became a Hubert Humphrey fellow, completing one year of management studies under the Fulbright Fellowship program.
Kyerematen's professional journey spans over two decades, marked by senior roles in both the private and public sectors. Notably, he held a senior corporate executive position at Unilever International in Ghana, where he became the youngest manager at the age of twenty-two. His contributions were acknowledged by Time magazine, listing him among the global leaders for the sector millennium in 1994.
In 1998, Kyerematen's role expanded globally when he was appointed as the first regional director of Enterprise Africa by the UNDP. This initiative aimed at developing and promoting small and medium enterprises across 13 Sub-Saharan African countries.
Kyerematen's diplomatic contributions are noteworthy, having served as Ghana's Ambassador to the U.S. from 2001 to 2003. At the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he headed the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC). His leadership played a pivotal role in strengthening African governments' capacities for sound trade policies and negotiations.
His involvement with the African Union as a Special Envoy exemplifies his commitment to intra-African trade and continental collaboration.
A founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kyerematen's influence within the party has been profound. He served on the NPP National Executive Committee and played key roles in strategic development, earning him a place in the NPP/CPP Great Alliance Negotiating Team.
Kyerematen's bid for NPP's leadership commenced in 2007, where he secured 32.30% of votes. Subsequent attempts in 2010 and 2014 saw him as the runner-up to Nana Akufo-Addo. In 2012, he was nominated by Ghana for the post of WTO Director-General, receiving the African Union's backing.
His distinguished tenure as Cabinet Minister responsible for Trade, Industry, and Private Sector Development left an indelible mark. Innovative programs he championed, such as the development of a state-of-the-art industrial starch factory, reflected his commitment to economic transformation.
In January 2023, Kyerematen resigned as the Cabinet Minister, signaling a shift in his political trajectory. His subsequent announcement to contest the NPP's flagbearership was followed by a surprising decision to resign from the race for the party's national delegate congress.
On September 25, 2023, Kyerematen took a bold step by resigning from the NPP and declaring his candidacy as an independent for the 2024 presidential race. His movement, "Movement for Change," embodies the quest for a transformed political landscape, beyond the duopoly of major parties.
Coming from a mixed Akan ancestry, Kyerematen's linguistic prowess includes fluency in Twi, Fante, Ga, and proficiency in French. Married to Patricia Christabel Kyerematen, they have two children, Alexander and Victor.
Kyerematen's journey, marked by diplomatic finesse, political astuteness, and a vision for change, signifies a pivotal chapter in Ghana's political narrative. As he embarks on this independent candidacy, Kyerematen aims to inspire a shift in the political status quo and foster national unity and development.
