There’s a popular saying that “a fruit does not fall far from the tree,” meaning that once you are shaped by a particular culture, it’s difficult to completely depart from it. In political terms, “once a soldier, always a soldier.”
That saying perfectly fits Alan Kyerematen, once a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who has rebranded his Movement for Change into the United Party (UP) — the same name that represents the foundation of the NPP’s political heritage.
The UP Tradition, also known as the Danquah-Dombo-Busia Tradition, traces its roots to the original United Party formed in October 1957. After Ghana’s independence on March 6, 1957, Parliament passed the Avoidance of Discrimination Act (C.A. 38), which banned political parties based on ethnic, regional, or religious lines.
The law led several parties — including the Northern People’s Party, Muslim Association Party, National Liberation Movement (NLM), Anlo Youth Organization, Togoland Congress, and the Ga Shifimokpee — to merge under Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia, leader of the NLM, forming the United Party. Today, that tradition lives on through the NPP.
It is therefore no surprise that Alan Kyerematen, once seen as a “king-in-waiting” within the NPP, has revived the United Party name. 
Following the rebranding, UP National Chairman Boniface Siddique addressed supporters, declaring:
“We were sacked from the NPP, but now they want to grant us amnesty? We will not go back.”
Abu-Bakar Siddique Boniface, a former Minister of State under Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and ex-Minister for Inner Cities and Zongo Development, also served as Minister of Youth, Labour, and Employment under former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
He argued that the NPP had “no moral ground” to offer forgiveness since no wrongdoing had been committed.
“We were sacked. But today they claim they are giving us amnesty. What does amnesty mean? What crime did our leader commit? What crime did I commit in the NPP for you to sack me? And today you are telling me you are giving me amnesty? No way,” he said.
Alan Kyerematen, a former Minister of Trade and Industry, resigned from the NPP in 2023, citing unfair treatment and internal tensions. He later formed the Movement for Change, promising a new brand of leadership.
At the launch of the rebranded United Party (UP Plus), Kyerematen outlined his vision:
“A new dawn that will bring about economic transformation, create massive job opportunities, and usher in a golden age of business. A new dawn that will unite Ghanaians across age, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
A new dawn that will promote accountable governance, zero tolerance for corruption, and protect the environment for sustainable development. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this is what underpins the establishment of the United Party,” he said.
This event has really solidified my belief in the saying that ‘when people experience a heartbreak in a relationship, they hardly move on’. Rather they move with it. The Akans believe so much in the Sankofa tradition and this Sankofa looks too far-fetched. Will this rebrand attract more of the NPP supporters to the UP Plus? Let’s wait and see.
