The decision by Alan Kyerematen to let “go of the rope” in the push and pull for the flagbearer position of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has left thousands of his followers to wonder whether it was necessary for them to have helped him “pull his side of the rope” no matter how excruciating the associated pains were, all these years.
Their loyalty to a man seen as an epitome of selflessness, devotion and dedication was etched in stone.
Their solidarity to his cause made them “servants in their own father’s kingdom.”
They had no place in the NPP government.
Stories abound of how his followers were denied appointments and other privileges all because of their steadfastness to him.
So, for Alan Kyerematen not to have demonstrated the same level of reciprocity; that their crown will have been a win on November 4 and the pain thereof could only best manifest in tears when one of his staunch followers shared his thoughts on his resignation in an interview with Takoradi-based Radio 360.
Chris Larbi Boateng, one of the front lines for the Alan 4 President Campaign in the Western Region did not mince words as he narrated how many people like him have been intimidated, and denied opportunities when they duly deserve and qualify for all because they are known Alan supporters.
“I was personally denied a letter of reference just because I align with Alan,” he recalled.
He indicated that some of them had counselled amidst pleas in a meeting where Mr. Kyerematen dropped the hint of his intention to resign that, “for the sake of millions of his followers, we insisted that he exercises patience”.
That was not to be and Mr. Larbi Boateng says, “this has left many of us disappointed”.
“We have toiled for this and he has really put us in a delicate position as his followers,” he bared his frustration, perhaps a prediction of another round of denials, intimidation and loss of opportunities to share in the spoils associated with belonging to a ruling party.
Just as he has surprised and left many of these followers disappointed, they are relishing another announcement that will rekindle their hopes.
But will he still have the swell of followers he once had?
By Eric Yaw Adjei