Kufuor reveals Alan turned down ministerial appointment after NPP’s 2000 victory
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has disclosed that Alan Kyerematen declined an offer to join his first administration after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) won the 2000 general elections.
He made this revelation while addressing persistent claims that he backed Alan over Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the party’s 2008 presidential primaries—an allegation he firmly rejected.
According to Mr Kufuor, despite the rumours that have circulated for years, there was never any deliberate attempt on his part to position Alan as his preferred successor.
“After we won the elections in 2000, I personally reached out to him and told him I wanted him to serve as a Minister, but he declined the offer,” the former President revealed.
He explained that the invitation was simply based on Alan’s abilities and dedication to the party, and not part of any long-term political strategy. Mr Kufuor stressed that the refusal alone debunks claims that he was grooming Alan for leadership advantage within the NPP.
“I never supported him against anyone,” he stated emphatically. “I did not give him any form of backing to empower him to defeat another person.”
The former President noted that despite his consistent denials, the perception that he favoured Alan during the 2008 contest has lingered in political discussions for years.
He reiterated that he stayed neutral throughout the internal contest and allowed the party’s democratic processes to run their full course without interference.
Mr Kufuor also used the occasion to reflect on the NPP’s broader electoral challenges, particularly the party’s loss in the 2024 general elections.
He attributed the defeat in part to public dissatisfaction over major government decisions and controversies, including the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, the PDS power distribution scandal, and the National Cathedral project.
He cautioned political leaders against becoming disconnected from the people they govern, warning that ignoring public concerns can have serious political consequences.
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