As accusation and counter accusation of alleged extravagance and opulence rage on from within and outside the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) over the flaunting of money left, right and centre, Mr. Alan Kyerematen, one of the party's front runners in the flagbearership race, to whom most of the accusing fingers are pointing, has broken his silence. Speaking to The Independent in an exclusive interview, Mr. Alan Kyerematen, who is known in Ghanaian political circles as "Alan Cash" threw a challenge to anyone to explain to him how one could win an election without financing campaign activities, which has nothing to do with doling out monies to people for the sake of buying votes. Mr. Alan Kyerematen, former Minister for Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development and President's Special Initiatives (PSIs) enquired that, if indeed one will spend money to buy votes, why would one spend money on individuals who may have no voting power at the congress to elect the flagbearer of the party. He was speaking in reaction to what the paper said has become obviously a clear campaign of vilification and whipping up of negative sentiments against him in view of his campaign strategies. He noted that, as a front runner in the race for the flagbearership of the NPP, he has accepted the fact that he will be subjected to vicious attacks from within and outside the party. Mr. Kyerematen told The Independent that he believes the smear campaigns are all part of the political game, but pointed out that, he has declined to react to such allegations to protect the unity of the party. While some have viewed Alan’s campaign launch as a perfect reflection of excellent organizational and tactical skills, having come only two days after the official opening of nominations, others are of the view that, it was more of a show of opulence and extravagance. According to the paper, an unnamed political analyst has observed that an objective analysis of the type of people who attended the Alan campaign launch and the very essence of organizing the event in the first place, will clearly establish that, the event was a smart political move intended first, to establish a clear lead in the presidential aspirants race, and secondly, to provide an opportunity for potential delegates as well as the rank and file of the party to be part of such a historical event. Source: The Independent