Ken Agyepong the “frankenstein Monster” - Backfired strategy and DMB’s Dilemm

Ken Agyepong the “frankenstein Monster” - Backfired strategy and DMB’s Dilemma Dr Alhaji Mahmoudu Bawumia emerged the victor in the battle for the NPPs flag after a much heated campaign characterized by bickering, betrayals and strategic maneuverings. Affer “bombing a lot of bridges” the campaign team needs to rebuild a lot of bridges. But it is not in the interest of some “constituencies” that their bridges are rebuilt. One of such constituencies is Hon Ken Agyepong and his campaign team” I will tell you why in a few paragraphs. Ken Agyepong, the 'Frankenstein Monster' in the NPP's political drama, resembles Mary Shelley's creation—a tale of ambition gone awry. Agyepong, initially favored by Kuffour, turned the tables and used his gains to back Nana Akuffo Addo, only to later pivot for his own presidential dreams. “Frankenstein," written by Mary Shelley, tells the haunting tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but misguided scientist, who, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, creates a monstrous being from reanimated dead tissue. This creature, abandoned by its creator, grapples with its own existence and the rejection it faces from society. As the story unfolds, the monster seeks companionship and understanding, only to be met with fear and hostility. The novel explores themes of ambition, the consequences of playing god, and the complexities of human nature. Similar to Frankenstein, Former president Kuffour awarded a lot of juicy contracts to hon. Ken Agyepong in the hope that he will support the Hon Alan Kyeremateng campaign. In the mind of the former president, Hon Ken Agyepong was safe to invest in because his level of education is not that high and he (Ken) did not have presidential ambition. (K4 Supported Alan because it was a gentleman's agreement between the two brokered by elders in Asanteman in 1998 for Alan to allow K4 to unseat Adu Boahene as the NPP’ candidate) Hon Ken Agyepong quickly turned his back on former president Kuffour and used the resources he had gained to finance the then presidential candidate Nana Akuffo Addo. Fast forward, Akuffo became the president, he again awarded a lot of juicy contracts to Ken Agyepong for his loyalty. Again believing that Ken will support and finance is chosen successor because up until then, Ken had not demonstrated any presidential ambition and did not even possess presidential qualities and was not making any efforts in that regard. After Nana Akuffo Addo had settled on Dr Bawumia as his chosen successor, the biggest competitor was Alan Kyeremateng the the trade minister. Realizing that Alan was very strong in the Ashanti region, part of the strategy was to file many candidates who could steal some votes from Alan’s Constituencies. Two such candidates were Atopa Akoto (Hon Dr Afriyie Akoto) the Agric Minister and Hon Kenn Agyepong. The strategy worked to perfection as Alan withdrew from the race and later from the NPP altogether after just the super delegates congress where he was given a humiliating defeat. However that same strategy also allowed Ken Agyepong to see a huge opportunity of becoming the president himself and he decided to exploit it. He then capitalized on the frustrated and dejected supporters of Alan Kyeremateng who also came through for him during the national delegates congress placing him as the first runner up. This is where it gets more intriguing, the NPP settled on Dr Bawumai for two main reasons, the first is that he is a northerner and the party has never had a northern leader leading them to a national election. even though this is the second time someone from the north has been the vice president through the party. Had DMB lost these primaries, it would have fed into the narrative that the NPP only uses northers and dropped them. Secondly the NPP know that based on their poor performance with the economy, there is a high probability of losing the 2024 election so they need a younger candidate who would still be around and still be popular when President John Mahama finished his last remaining 4 year term. This to me is the “breaking the eight” they have been talking about. Now the risk to the NPP’s strategy is that Dr Bawumia will need all the NPP support and more to win in 2024, including Alan and Ken Agyepong’s support. Now Alan is already out of the equation his support is gone Ken Agyepong’s support is also gone. and this is my reason for saying so. Dr. Bawumia emerges as the chosen one, the NPP faces a dilemma. Agyepong, having tasted the allure of presidential ambition, isn't eager to endorse Bawumia and shelve his dreams until his seventies. It's like asking him to RSVP to a political retirement party. . Secondly, all previous NPP governments had given him enough resources for him to be able to execute a proper campaign in 2028 with more forward planning. which means that it is in Ken’s supreme interest that Dr Bawumia loses the 2024 elections. The playing field will be more level for each presidential hopeful in 2024 than it is now if the party goes into opposition. Again in 2014, Bawumia will not have an incumbent president to back him and more likely not have the level of resources he currently has to execute a more flamboyant campaign. In this high-stakes chess game, Bawumia needs the support of Agyepong, who's already eyeing the vulnerabilities in 2027/28. Picture Ken, rubbing his hands together, envisioning a less resourceful Bawumia post-2024 defeat, a tantalizing prospect for his own future campaign. The irony? The very man Bawumia counts on for support might be secretly plotting otherwise. As the political chessboard unfolds, we're left wondering: who's the true beneficiary of the NPP's strategic moves? The suspense builds as we eagerly await the next move in this political chess match!"

Alan Kyeremanteng's Leap into the Abyss: Maverick or Misfit?

Alan Kyeremanteng's Leap into the Abyss: Maverick or Misfit? In the grand theater of Ghanaian politics, a sudden twist has left many spectators scratching their heads in disbelief. The man of the hour, Honorable Alan Kyeremanteng, recently took a leap of faith – or should we say, a leap of independence – by resigning from the NPP and announcing his bid as an independent presidential candidate. It's a move that has stirred the political pot, and it's as surprising as discovering a pineapple on your pizza: unexpected and a tad perplexing. But before we dive into the depths of this intriguing maneuver, let's pay our respects to the man himself. Alan Kyeremanteng's loyalty to the NPP is the stuff of legends. He's been like the party's favorite pair of slippers – dependable, well-worn, and never straying too far. Unlike some politicians who've had more party memberships than shoes, Kyeremanteng's political life has been as straightforward as a ruler's edge. Remember, even before some folks knew him as the former trade minister in 2007, his presidential ambitions started germinating back in 1993. He was all set to throw his hat into the NPP's presidential primaries ring, but tribal chiefs and elders played the role of the 'Ambition Deflator' and convinced him to step aside for John Agyekum Kuffour. That's the kind of guy he's been – a team player, always ready to pass the ball when the coach says so. But fast forward to today, and it seems like he's decided it's time to snatch the ball and run with it. After patiently waiting in the political dugout while Kuffour and Akufo Addo took their turns, he's been hit with the news that Dr. Bawumia is the chosen one. Suddenly, it's like someone yelled "musical chairs," and the music stopped with Kyeremanteng standing. Now, the man who's been as loyal to the NPP as a dog to its master finds himself without a party. So, here's the million-dollar question: Why would a dyed-in-the-wool NPP stalwart suddenly make this dramatic political U-turn? Sure, he's given his reasons, but we all know that politics is never just a straight line. It's a classic case of 'David vs. Goliath' as Kyeremanteng realized he was more like David, armed with a slingshot, while Dr. Bawumia seemed like a political Goliath with all the resources and momentum. It's like trying to race a Ferrari on a tricycle. The Kyeremanteng campaign seemed to have more leaks than a leaky boat. He couldn't replicate the buzz and support he had in 2007, probably because his campaign found itself low on gas money, charisma, and young, energetic cheerleaders. As for those charismatic supporters who used to rally behind him, they either jumped ship for a better offer or retired to enjoy a well-deserved political siesta. In his final campaign, Kyeremanteng was left with the political equivalent of leftovers - a rather unappetizing prospect in a race of this magnitude. It's like showing up at a banquet with last night's reheated leftovers; you're in for an embarrassing defeat. But what really raises eyebrows is why he'd choose this moment to go solo. Kyeremanteng hasn't been financing his campaigns with Monopoly money. He had some generous backers who poured cash into his political dreams. If he doesn't become president, they're the ones left with empty pockets. Now, here's where it gets even more interesting. Rumor has it that a small group of Akyem folks, led by President Akufo Addo, have taken over the NPP. Other party strongholds are feeling a little left out and want their turn in the political limelight. But how do you wrestle control of the party when it's in power? Simple, bring it into opposition. This strategic move might just be Kyeremanteng's way of saying, "I'm going to be the chaos in the NPP's cozy tea party." In opposition, other power players from various strongholds might have a better shot at seizing control. And remember, when a party is in opposition, anything can happen. Even your neighbor's pet parrot might consider running for president. So, is Kyeremanteng's move a brilliant strategy or a political kamikaze mission? Only time will tell. But for now, it's the talk of the town, and it's as perplexing as a cat trying to understand quantum physics. Watch this space; Ghana's political theater just got a lot more interesting.

Why ECOWAS is just blowing hot air but will not enter Niger

Unveiling Geopolitical Chess: Allies and Intrigue Amidst Niger's Crisis In the aftermath of the recent coup in Niger, a complex geopolitical drama unfolds as alliances and interests collide. Following the seizure of President Mohamed Bazoum, General Abdourahamane Tchiani of the presidential guard declares himself the leader of a military junta and head of state. As tension escalates, the ECOWAS coalition threatens military intervention if democratic governance isn't restored. However, the junta's unexpected backing from neighboring nations has shifted the power dynamics dramatically. France and ECOWAS now loom on Niger's horizon, issuing a stern ultimatum to the junta: release the ousted president or face invasion. Yet, uncertainty hovers over the military capabilities of Niger's forces in countering ECOWAS and its allies, prompting many to scrutinize the strength of support from neighboring countries. In this blog, I will spotlight five nations willing to back Niger in its crisis, each with their unique motivations and odds of success. Number 5: Guinea Niger finds an ally in Guinea, where the National Committee for Rally and Development (CNRD), which overthrew President Alpha Conde in 2021, endorses the new leadership. Guinea anticipates that Niger's junta will work diligently for stability and unity in the nation and the broader sub-region. This camaraderie underscores a shared experience of coup-led governance and the conviction in fostering peace. Number 4: Algeria Algeria, a surprise entrant into the coalition, pledges military support to safeguard Niger from France and ECOWAS. Rooted in the belief that the crisis should be internally resolved, Algeria fears a Libya-like scenario if external forces intervene. Algeria's own struggles against French control of its resources possibly underscore its solidarity with Niger's cause. Number 3: Russia Amid rising anti-French sentiments, Russia emerges as a player, potentially aligning with Niger. Despite controversies surrounding Putin, Russia's potent military force could be utilized to bolster Niger's junta and resist external intervention. The presence of the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary entity, in the region further solidifies this alignment. Number 2: Mali Mali, scarred by French exploitation, stands united with Niger against external pressures. Mali's gold resources, the 15th largest globally, and shared disdain for France drive their alignment. Similar to Niger, Mali has also witnessed coups against perceived French-backed regimes, reflecting a common sentiment of addressing economic woes through change in leadership. Number 1: Burkina Faso Burkina Faso's support for Niger's coup echoes its recent history. President Ibrahim Traoré's overthrow of the previous government marked his emergence as the youngest African president. Traoré's defiance against perceived French influence resonates with Niger's stance, driven by a conviction that Africa must secure better trade agreements and resist impoverishment through resource exploitation. As the chessboard of alliances shifts, the fate of Niger hangs in the balance. These nations, united by shared experiences and grievances, navigate a tumultuous landscape where traditional power dynamics are tested. The outcome remains uncertain, but their collective resolve challenges the status quo and demands a reconsideration of Africa's future trajectory.