Solomon Owusu, a prominent member of the Movement for Change political group, has made a compelling case for Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen’s presidency in the 2028 Ghanaian general elections. His argument rests on a peculiar historical observation: Ghana’s political fortunes have consistently aligned with leaders bearing the name “John.” He cites a lineage of successful “John” presidencies, beginning with Jerry John Rawlings, continuing through John Agyekum Kuffuor and John Evans Atta Mills, and most recently, John Mahama. Owusu posits that the deviation from this pattern with Nana Akufo-Addo’s presidency led to a period of national decline, a downturn he believes was reversed with John Mahama’s return to power. This historical trend, according to Owusu, points unequivocally towards Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen as the destined leader for 2028, the “last John” to usher in an era of renewed prosperity and stability.
Owusu’s endorsement of Kyerematen comes amidst the backdrop of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) upcoming flagbearer election scheduled for January 31, 2026. He dismisses the other potential NPP candidates, including prominent figures like Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, and Bryan Acheampong, as unsuitable for the nation’s highest office. He doesn’t elaborate on the specific shortcomings of these individuals, focusing instead on his historical “John” theory and launching a pointed attack against Bawumia and his alleged associates.
The crux of Owusu’s critique of Bawumia centers on accusations of corruption within the former vice president’s camp. Owusu alleges that a significant majority of former NPP appointees currently facing corruption trials were staunch supporters of Bawumia during the party’s 2023 flagbearer contest. This, he implies, reflects poorly on Bawumia’s leadership and judgment, casting doubt on his suitability for the presidency. He points specifically to the national service scandal, where he claims a staggering GH₵250 million was misappropriated. This incident, coinciding with the 2023 NPP internal elections, is presented as evidence of the rampant corruption within Bawumia’s sphere of influence.
Owusu’s narrative weaves a compelling, albeit unconventional, narrative. He paints a picture of a nation guided by destiny, its political trajectory inextricably linked to the seemingly innocuous commonality of a first name. This narrative, however, is interwoven with accusations of corruption and political maneuvering, suggesting a deeper, more complex dynamic within the NPP. While the “John” theory provides a memorable framework for his argument, the underlying message focuses on the alleged improprieties surrounding Bawumia’s political ambitions, a narrative likely to fuel debate and speculation within the political landscape.
The implications of Owusu’s statements are far-reaching, potentially influencing public perception of the NPP’s internal dynamics and the suitability of its leading figures for national leadership. His emphasis on the “John” theory, while unusual, provides a readily digestible narrative for the public, one that could solidify support for Kyerematen among those who find the historical pattern persuasive. More significantly, his accusations against Bawumia and his associates could damage the vice president’s political standing, potentially affecting his chances in the upcoming NPP flagbearer election. The timing of these accusations, so close to the internal party elections, suggests a strategic move to sway public opinion and potentially influence the outcome of the contest.
In essence, Solomon Owusu’s pronouncements serve a dual purpose. They promote Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen as the divinely ordained leader for 2028 while simultaneously seeking to discredit a key rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The blending of the “John” theory with serious allegations of corruption creates a potent political cocktail, one that will undoubtedly generate considerable discussion and potentially reshape the political landscape leading up to both the NPP flagbearer election and the 2028 general elections. The coming months will reveal whether this strategy proves effective in bolstering Kyerematen’s political fortunes and damaging Bawumia’s aspirations.
