By Daniel Bampoe
In what many have described as a defining moment in Ghana’s political history, former Trade and Industry Minister under the Akufo-Addo administration and independent presidential candidate in the 2024 election, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, on Thursday officially rebranded his Movement for Change to a political party, the United Party (UP), promising a new era of political inclusiveness, accountability, and economic transformation.
The event, held at the Coconut Grove Hotel in Accra, brought together representatives of political parties, civil society groups, the clergy, traditional leaders, and supporters from across all 16 regions of Ghana.
A New Political Dawn
Addressing the gathering, Kyerematen — affectionately known as Alan Cash — declared the birth of what he called “a new dawn in Ghanaian politics”, aimed at ending decades of political polarization and elite dominance by the two major parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“Today, we are ushering a new era — a new dawn in Ghanaian politics. A new dawn that will end divisiveness, acrimony, and rancor. A new dawn that will bring credible alternatives and usher in an age of economic transformation and prosperity for all Ghanaians,” he stated.
Kyerematen said the newly launched United Party (UP) is built on the principles of unity, inclusiveness, and national development.
“The UP is a broad-based centrist movement that seeks to build a united Ghana by accelerating economic and social transformation through the collective strength and talent of all citizens,” he said.
Vision 2040 – The Paradise Project
Kyerematen unveiled what he described as “Vision 2040”, also known as the Paradise Project, a comprehensive plan aimed at making Ghana the economic powerhouse of Africa within 15 years.
“Our vision is clear — to make Ghana the economic powerhouse of Africa by 2040. We are calling this Vision 2040: The Paradise Project. If, by the grace of God, the people of Ghana give us the mandate, we will transform this country into a paradise,” he declared confidently.
He explained that the UP’s mission is to build “one united, peaceful, secure and prosperous country that provides equal opportunity for all citizens”.
“Since independence, opportunities have been open to only a few. The United Party will change that dynamic and create equal space for all Ghanaians — whether carpenter, electrician, or doctor — to reach their full potential,” Kyerematen said.
Reclaiming Decency And Patriotism
In a passionate appeal, the former minister called for a return to moral and ethical leadership, insisting that the UP would restore decency, patriotism, and excellence in public life.
He stressed the need to unleash Ghana’s entrepreneurial spirit, promote free speech, and end corruption through what he called “ethical leadership and integrity-driven governance.”
“Only ethical leadership can turn our country around. Many of our best talents have been excluded from governance because of the toxic nature of our politics,” he said.
From Movement for Change To United Party
Kyerematen noted that the transition from the Movement for Change to the United Party symbolized transformation, resilience, and endurance, qualities represented by the movement’s existing Monarch butterfly logo, which the new party has retained.
“The butterfly symbolizes transformation and endurance. The Movement for Change opened the path; now the United Party continues it,” he emphasized.
The party’s new colours — yellow and black — symbolize Ghana’s rich gold resources and the Black Star of Africa, respectively.
“When we say our vision is to make Ghana the economic powerhouse of Africa, this is what we mean — the Black Star leading the continent in prosperity,” Kyerematen said.
Building on the Legacy of the Original United Party
Speaking at the same event, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, former Adenta MP and now the Interim General Secretary of the UP, described the rebranded party as a rebirth of the ideals of Ghana’s original United Party of the 1950s, which emerged from a merger of seven political movements that opposed one-party rule.
“Every political party in this country traces its roots to the traditions of the old UP. Today, we revive that spirit — unity, competence, and inclusion — but with a modern centrist philosophy that meets today’s challenges,” he said.
Buaben Asamoa added that the UP’s motto, “Ghana First,” captures its nationalistic commitment to putting the country above individual and partisan interests.
“The UP is here to fill a gap — a gap for leadership we can trust, inclusion in decision-making, and a return to integrity in public service. We are about transformation: of leadership, policies, and mindset,” he said.
He also criticized the entrenched two-party dominance under the 1992 Constitution, arguing that it has “created a monopoly of power and corruption that excludes competent citizens.”
“Access to executive power has become a revolving door between two parties. They recycle tired old policies and refuse to respond to the people. The UP is the viable alternative,” he charged.
‘A Party Without Discrimination’
Alhaji Abubakar Saddique Boniface, former MP for Madina and now the Interim National Chairman of the UP, called on Ghanaians to embrace the new political force as a unifying front for all citizens.
“Our government will be based on national unity — unity of ideas, unity of resources, and unity in sharing benefits. This party is unique: no discrimination, no tribalism. We are one people with one destiny,” Boniface emphasized.
He revealed that the UP Plus, as it is also called, was officially certified by the Electoral Commission on October 3, 2025, marking its legal recognition as a political party.
“We are announcing with pride our arrival on the political scene. The rejected stone has become the cornerstone,” he said, referencing the party’s historical roots.
