Alan Kyeremanteng, a flag bearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), visited the Northern Region of Ghana to declare his presidential ambition. During his visit, he paid a courtesy call on the overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama, at his palace in Yendi to officially declare his intention to compete for the presidential seat in the 2024 election. He also commended the Ya-Na for maintaining peace in the Dagbon Traditional Area.
However, media reports emerged claiming that the Ya-Na had endorsed Kyeremanteng and told him it was his time to lead the NPP as flag bearer. In response, a press release was issued by the secretary to the Ya-Na, disclaiming the media report and assuring that Ya-Na is open to all.
The release stated, “The attention of the Gbewaa Palace has been drawn to reports in various newspapers regarding the courtesy visit by the Hon Alan Kyeremanteng on His Majesty andante Ya-Na Abukari II. In particular, the reports suggest that His Royal Majesty had declared that it was the turn of Hon. Alan Kyeremanteng to lead the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a flag bearer. His Majesty wishes to state categorically that he made no such claim. I have not endorsed Hon. Alan Kyeremanteng and wish to state categorically that the doors of my palace are open for all.”
It is unclear whether Kyeremanteng had sought an endorsement from the Ya-Na or whether the media reports were based on a misinterpretation of the discussions between the two. However, the disavowal of the endorsement highlights the importance of maintaining impartiality and neutrality in traditional and political leadership positions.
