JoyNews is learning Trade Minister Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen has resigned from the government.

Multiple sources close to the minister said he tendered his resignation letter to President Nana Akufo-Addo on Thursday, Jan 5, 2023.

The man popularly called 'Alan Cash' has long been rumoured to be nursing the ambition to contest the flagbearership slot of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

But it’s unclear if the resignation is to allow him to concentrate on that ambition.

Political journey so far

Mr Kyerematen made an attempt at the leadership of the NPP in 2007, capturing 32.3% of the votes cast.

He was first runner-up to Nana Akufo-Addo who gained 47.96% of votes cast.

Mr Kyerematen made other attempts at the party's leadership in 2010 and 2014 but placed second to Akufo-Addo, who won the primaries.

In 2012, Ghana nominated Kyerematen for the post of WTO director-general to succeed out-going Director-General Pascal Lamy, and his candidature received the backing of the African Union (AU).

However, he did not make the shortlist for the final selection process in 2013.

In 2017, Kyerematen was sworn in as Ghana's Trade Minister.

Service to New Patriotic Party

Kyerematen has been a leading stalwart and key strategist of the NPP since its inception in 1992.

He is a founding member of the Party and has also served on the highest decision-making bodies of the NPP that shaped the Party's strategic direction both in opposition and in Government.

He served on the NPP National Executive Committee, serving as a Member from 1992 to 2001 as well as on the Economic Management Team and Finance Committee of the NPP.

He is also a Founding Member of the Young Executive Forum (YEF), a powerful advocacy and lobby group within the Party which played a major role in galvanising the professional and business community to support the growth and development of the party, as well as mobilise a new generation of party faithful and young leaders.

As Chairman of YEF from 1992 to 2001, he symbolised the essence and spirit of the new generation of party leaders.