THE RESIGNATION

Nearly one week after his shock resignation from the ruling New Patriotic Party, Alan Kyerematen's bombshell continues to excite comment and mixed reactions.

Yesterday, a radio station's announcement of a 'news flash', claiming that Mr Kyerematen had rescinded his decision has fuelled the speculation even more.

He has certainly put himself in an unenviable position, whichever way one looks at the matter.

The two major questions that arise from the shock resignation last Thursday, April 17, are, of course, why did he resign – what is the real reason, and, secondly, does it not amount to political suicide?

Having come second in the contest to lead his party at Election 2008, he was seen as a force to reckon with. Indeed, after graciously conceding defeat to Nana Akufo-Addo where the party had feared a run-off, many had thought it was likely he would have another chance to try again in the future.

Some NPP stalwarts have expressed the view that Mr Kyerematen's departure would not in any way affect the party, but as parties are about numbers, and as he clearly has a following, one wonders if that view could be right.

It is reported that in a letter to NPP chairman, Mr Peter Mac Manu, Mr Kyerematen had cited as the main reason for his resignation, the intimidation of his supporters.

However, various NPP leaders have been quoted as saying that Mr Kyerematen had never complained officially to them about his unhappiness with the way his supporters have been treated.

If it is true that Mr Kyerematen did not complain officially, then perhaps he should have done that first, in writing and waited to see what would be done before putting in his resignation, if that didn't help.

It would have been proper, and in keeping with the party's democratic principles, to give the leadership the opportunity to resolve whatever differences there were. If that had failed, then nobody would have faulted him for resigning.

As it is, his resignation appears to be too hasty a decision, especially considering the harm it could do to the image of the party, its tradition and its principles – which principles and tradition in his resignation letter he insisted he still identifies with.

Mr Kyerematen may have resigned to underscore his frustrations, but what guarantee is there that resigning would solve the problem if he didn't stay and fight it from within?

Maybe only time will tell whether the step he took was the right one or whether it amounted to political suicide.

For, having resigned in that manner, even if now he is persuaded to rescind his decision, it appears that there are many in the party who will find it very difficult to forgive him for the embarrassment he has caused the party.

Thus, evidently, his chances of winning any election in the party would be very slim.

And if he doesn't change his mind, the NPP being a party whose ideals he still believes in, how happy will Mr Kyerematen be outside the party?

Whichever way one looks at it, the resignation will have far-reaching consequences for Mr Kyerematen.

There is one positive aspect, though: Mr Kyerematen's accusation of intimidation should provide the NPP the opportunity to investigate such allegations and see how they can be resolved to underpin internal democracy in the party.