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Independent Presidential candidate and leader of the Movement for Change, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, has assured traditional leaders of including them in his government if elected as President of Ghana.
Speaking at the Palace of Drobonsohene, Nana Dwamena Dankwa Dwobisaw II in the Sekyere Afram Plains Constituency in the Ashanti Region last Sunday, he described as unfortunate, the fact that the 1992 Constitution did not include chiefs in governance.
As a result, Mr Kyerematen said, traditional leaders do not have the opportunity to actively participate in the nation’s governance system.
"When Alan comes, we will change that aspect of the constitution," he said.
In his view the roles of traditional leaders and politicians are aligned, as they aim to bring development to their people. "Those in politics know that politics and chieftaincy have the same objective of bringing development to the people, so there is no difference between us," he emphasised.
Mr Kyerematen’s Great Transformational Plan (GTP) has already outlined a clear role for chiefs, making them co-trustees of lands and natural resources.
Furthermore, the GTP envisions the creation of a Second Chamber of governance where traditional leaders will have a prominent role. This is a significant departure from the current political structure, reaffirming Mr Kyerematen’s respect and confidence in the role of chiefs.
The Movement for Change leader is currently on a 19-day campaign tour of the Ashanti Region ahead of the December 7 polls. His visit to Drobonso is just one of many stops as he engages with chiefs and their communities. Earlier, he held a private conversation with the Kumawumanhene, Barima Tweneboa Kodua II, further strengthening his ties with the traditional leadership.
During his interaction with the people of Drobonso, Mr Kyerematen urged them to support him in the upcoming election, highlighting his position as number 13 on the ballot.
Mr Kyerematen said his broader message of inclusion, respect for tradition, and national development resonated deeply with his plans to revamp the constitution to include chiefs.
That, he said, positioned him as the candidate who would restore the dignity and role of traditional leadership in Ghana’s governance.
Mr Kyerematen also visited communities in the Bosome Freho Constituency, which included Asewa, Anyinase, Danso, Nsuaem Number 1, Nsuaem Number 2, Amomorso, and Abosamaom.
He said his administration would root out corruption through decisive action, ensuring that all public officials are held accountable.
"Corruption is why our schools, roads and hospitals are in poor condition. It is draining the nation’s wealth, and when I come, I will stop it outright,” he promised.
In addition to fighting corruption, Mr Kyerematen said he would also focus on job creation, particularly for the youth, adding that his 10-Point Youth Empowerment Plan he introduced recently was aimed at addressing the high unemployment rates in the country.
The plan, he said, included supporting youth-owned businesses, installing 100,000 health booths to be managed by the youth, assisting the youth in mining communities to own small-scale mining companies, and promoting youth involvement in agriculture and industrialisation.
"Our youth need jobs to do in order to become responsible adults and citizens," he stressed.
