The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has declared his firm intention to sue Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen for allegedly hijacking the party’s historical name — “United Party (UP)” — for his newly formed political movement
Speaking passionately on Joy News on Friday, October 17, 2025, Kodua revealed that the NPP legal department is finalizing documents to file a lawsuit valued at ₵80,000 against Alan Kyerematen and his political organization, which recently rebranded from the Movement for Change to the United Party.
According to Kodua, Alan’s action is “a deliberate attempt to rewrite history” and a “betrayal of the political heritage” that birthed the NPP. He emphasized that the United Party name is not an abandoned political label, but rather the ideological foundation upon which the NPP was built.
“If you have left our party, then leave everything that belongs to us as well,” Kodua boldly stated during the interview, his voice filled with emotion and conviction. “You cannot abandon us and still claim the identity of the house you walked out of.”
Kodua explained that the United Party was formed in 1957 by Dr. K. A. Busia and other political leaders who opposed the authoritarian rule of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He said the NPP’s lineage traces directly to that movement, which stood for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
“The NPP is the legitimate heir of the UP tradition. The blood, sweat, and sacrifice of our founders built this party. We cannot sit and watch someone twist that heritage for political convenience,” he warned.
Sources close to the NPP headquarters indicate that the party’s legal team is preparing to petition the Electoral Commission (EC) to prevent Alan Kyerematen’s new party from registering under the United Party name. Legal documents, according to insiders, will be accompanied by a ₵80,000 compensation claim for damages and reputational harm to the NPP.
Political analysts say this lawsuit, if filed, could open a major legal and moral battle between the NPP and Alan Kyerematen — a man once considered one of the party’s most loyal and respected figures. Alan’s exit from the NPP in 2023 to form his own political movement was seen as a serious blow to the party’s unity, especially in the run-up to the 2024 elections.
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However, Justin Kodua insists that Alan’s latest decision to adopt the “United Party” name crosses a line that the NPP cannot tolerate.
“You cannot eat your cake and have it,” Kodua added. “You left because you wanted your freedom. Fine. But don’t go and use the name and legacy that belong to millions of loyal NPP members who stayed and fought for the tradition.”
He further accused Alan’s team of trying to confuse the Ghanaian electorate by reviving a name that holds deep emotional and historical value in Ghanaian politics. Kodua warned that the NPP will defend its identity and protect the legacy of Dr. Busia, J. B. Danquah, and other founding fathers who built the United Party ideology.
Meanwhile, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen has defended his choice of name, arguing that the Movement for Change’s transition to the United Party was inspired by the same values of unity, progress, and reform that guided Ghana’s early political struggle. During an interview with TV3, Alan explained that his movement remains committed to peaceful politics and development-focused governance.
“The principles that I stand for are still anchored on the values of the old United Party,” Alan stated. “We are not stealing a name; we are continuing a legacy that Ghana must never forget.”
Alan’s explanation, however, has not calmed tensions within the NPP. Many party executives see his new political identity as a direct challenge to the NPP’s brand and heritage — especially at a time when the party is seeking to reorganize for the 2028 general elections.
Party insiders believe the NPP leadership wants to send a strong signal that “political identity theft” will not be tolerated, regardless of one’s former position in the party. The ₵80,000 lawsuit, according to one insider, is both a legal and symbolic action meant to protect the NPP’s reputation from “brand confusion.”
The controversy has sparked heated debate on social media and within political circles. Some Ghanaians have sided with Alan Kyerematen, arguing that the United Party name is a part of Ghana’s political history that no single party can claim ownership of. Others, however, insist that the NPP, as the direct descendant of that political tradition, has every right to defend its heritage.
Political observers have also pointed out that this dispute could shape the future of Ghana’s opposition politics. If Alan Kyerematen’s United Party is allowed to stand, it could split the NPP’s traditional voter base — a scenario that might benefit the ruling NDC.
As it stands, all eyes are on the Electoral Commission and the courts, which may soon be called upon to decide who truly owns the United Party name — a name that carries decades of political history, ideological struggle, and emotional weight.
For now, Justin Frimpong Kodua remains defiant and resolute. “We will not fold our arms and watch anyone distort our identity,” he declared. “The NPP will defend what belongs to it — in the courts, in the public domain, and in the hearts of Ghanaians.
