General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Ohene Ntow has described as a big shock the resignation of failed presidential candidate Mr. Alan Kyerematen. Nana Ntow said the latest development has come as big blow to the party but denies it could possibly affect the fortunes of the NPP in the December elections. Nana Ohene Ntow who was speaking to Joy FM’s Israel Laryea on Friday morning however stated that the party would enter into discussions with Mr. Kyeremanten to possibly rescind his decision. Mr. Kyerematen on Thursday night personally presented his resignation letter to the chairman of the NPP, Mr. Peter Mac Manu. The letter gave reasons of continuous alienation and intimidation of persons who supported him during the party’s fiercely contested primaries. Meanwhile Dr. Arthur Kennedy, Communications Director of Nana Addo’s campaign team said Alan’s resignation should not be a basis for a split of the party. He said Nana Addo had launched a campaign team which identified Mr Kyerematen as a key personality in the winning bid, adding the issue could have been resolved amicably as a family. Mr. Kyerematen has been linked to a new political party recently outdoored in Kumasi. Rumours have however been circulating in the media that Mr. Kyerematen is quitting the party to join the Reformed Patriotic Democrats, a party which broke off from the NPP. It has also been rumoured that the former Trade and Industry Minister will either be contesting as an independent candidate or on the ticket of the RPD. Mr. Kyerematen contested the flagbearership of the NPP with 15 other aspirants and came out the first runner-up. Even though the constitution of the party demanded a run-off as none of the candidates could poll the required 50 plus one vote, Alan conceded defeat saying it was in the interest of the party. He pledged his support for Nana Addo and called on his supporters across the country to do same. For now Mr. Alan Kyerematen has quit the party leaving the NPP with a dent analysts suggest must be worked on immediately if the party is to receive a renewed mandate from Ghanaians. Story by Fiifi Koomson