Former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the New Patriotic Party’s Disciplinary Committee, Joseph Osei-Owusu, popularly known as Joe Wise, says the party is willing to welcome former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen back as a member but will not consider him for the flagbearer position at this stage.
According to him, the NPP has already elected its flagbearer for the next general election, making it impossible for Mr Kyerematen to assume the position without going through the party’s established electoral process.
He says Mr Kyerematen would, however, be welcomed if he follows the party’s procedures for members who have left and wish to return.
Mr Osei-Owusu’s comments follow Mr Kyerematen’s public declaration that the only condition under which he would consider returning to the NPP is if he is offered the opportunity to lead the party as its flagbearer.
Speaking to the media at the Ashanti Region NPP sensitisation programme for the constituency secretaries in Kumasi, Joe Wise described the demand as unacceptable, adding that he initially considered the former minister’s comment a joke.
“The party has a channel of electing a flagbearer, and that procedure has been completed. So, if Bawumia finishes his term and Alan comes back, we will see whether he can go unopposed. But for now, I don’t think the party can accept him as flagbearer,” he said.
He explained that the NPP has established procedures governing the return of former members and urged Mr Kyerematen to follow the appropriate process if he is serious about rejoining the party.
Mr Osei-Owusu stressed that the NPP needs more members to strengthen its ranks, noting that Mr Kyerematen had served the party in various capacities during his time as a member.
“Alan Kyerematen has duly served the party in so many ways, so if he comes, we will accept him,” he stated.
