The Movement for Change, led by Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, has officially transitioned into the United Party (UP Plus) after receiving approval from the Electoral Commission (EC). Party Chairman Abubakar Saddique Boniface stated that the unveiling represents the emergence of a new breed of political movement.

“Today, we present to you the United Party or UP Plus. The UP Plus is a political organisation meant to bring real change to governance. We will make a difference because of our focus on universal values and respect for the leadership of competence. We are not just taking people to lead us, but people who are credible, competent, and have a vision,” he stated.

Speaking at the unveiling event, Party leader Alan Kyerematen noted that the rebrand seeks to promote greater accountability, intensify the fight against corruption, and create prosperity for Ghanaians.

“A new dawn that will bring about economic transformation, which will translate into massive job opportunities, usher in a golden age of business, and create prosperity for our country, Ghana.

“A new dawn that will mobilise the collective strengths and talents of all Ghanaians for national development, irrespective of age, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.

“A new dawn that will promote accountable and transparent governance and introduce a policy of zero tolerance for corruption. A new dawn that will at least protect the environment and promote sustainable development. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this is what underpins the establishment of the United Party,” he said.

Mr. Kyerematen, who was once a staunch member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), parted ways with the party on Monday, September 25, 2023, citing reasons such as electoral irregularities, unfair treatment, and bias during the superdelegates' conference held on August 26, 2023.

The Movement for Change, now UP Plus, which Mr. Kyerematen described as youth-led, aims to address the country's challenges. The party formed alliances with other political movements and has declared its intention to contest the 2024 elections.

Mr. Kyerematen first resigned from the NPP in 2008 following attacks on his supporters after the NPP held its 2007 presidential primaries. He had been an active member of the NPP since its establishment in 1992. On Wednesday, September 12, 2024, Alan Kyerematen officially submitted his nomination to contest Ghana's 2024 presidential elections as an independent candidate.

In 2024, Mr. Kyerematen chose a youthful running mate, Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), who doubles as a lawyer, broadcast journalist, and youth activist. After filing his nomination, Mr. Kyerematen reiterated his commitment to being a "transitional leader" dedicated to securing the future for Ghana’s younger generation.

"I am fighting for the youth to have the opportunity to lead this country," Kyerematen stated. He also pledged that 50% of his appointees would be drawn from the youth, a move aimed at promoting fresh perspectives and dynamic leadership in government.

Central to his campaign is his Great Transformational Plan (GTP), which addresses the immediate needs of Ghanaians, particularly the youth. The GTP focuses on economic transformation, job creation, and national development, offering a roadmap for addressing unemployment and underemployment, key concerns for millions of young voters.

His development agenda goes beyond mere job creation, incorporating industrial transformation and tourism infrastructure development with private sector partnerships. This vision, he argues, will create long-term economic stability and reduce Ghana’s dependence on external financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, a reliance for which both the NPP and NDC have faced criticism in recent years.

The Afrafranto Alliance, a coalition of civil society groups and grassroots movements, has rallied behind Kyerematen’s candidacy, reflecting growing frustration with the promises of the major political parties. Many of these groups are led by young activists who see in Kyerematen a leader capable of transcending party lines and focusing on the nation’s future.

Mr. Kyerematen proposed governance reforms aimed at improving transparency and reducing political cronyism. These include replacing the Council of State with a Second Chamber and establishing an Anti-Corruption Czar with prosecutorial powers. His pledge to limit his administration to just 40 ministers also sets him apart from the more bloated administrations of the past.

Unfortunately, Mr. Kojo Alan Kyerematen obtained 31,202 votes, representing 0.28%, in the 2024 general elections. The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, was crowned the winner. This made him the first leader in the Fourth Republic to return to office after serving a term.

Addressing the nation on Tuesday, the returning officer announced that former President John Mahama garnered 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55%, while the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, polled 4,657,304 votes, representing 41.61%.

"Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP obtained 4,657,304 being 41.61%, Daniel Augustus Lartey Jnr of the GCPP obtained 16,673 being 0.15%, Christian Kwabena Andrews of the Ghana Union Movement obtained 16,461 being 0.15%, Kofi Akpalu of the LPG obtained 5,219 being 0.09%, Mohammed Frimpong of the National Democratic Party obtained 4,413 being 0.04%.

"Nana Akosua Frimpong of the CPP obtained 23,397 being 0.21%, Mr. John Dramani Mahama of the NDC obtained 6,328,397 being 56.55%, Mr. Hassan Ayariga of the APC obtained 17,461 being 0.16%, Mr. Kwasi Koranteng, independent candidate, obtained 3,320 being 0.03%, Mr. George Barima Adu, independent candidate, obtained 3,091 being 0.02%, Nana Kwame Bediako, independent candidate, obtained 84,478 being 0.75%, Mr. Kojo Alan Kyerematen, independent candidate, obtained 31,202 being 0.28%," the EC noted.

However, Jean Mensa clarified that the results were based on votes from 267 constituencies, with results from nine constituencies still pending. She assured that even if the results from these nine constituencies, which account for just over 947,000 votes, were included, the outcome would not alter Mahama’s victory.

The margin between Mahama’s votes and Bawumia’s stands at 1,671,093. Mensa added that the results from the nine constituencies would be compiled and incorporated into the final record once available.

The total valid votes cast in the election were 11,191,422, with 239,109 ballots rejected. The total votes cast were 11,430,531, while the electoral register contained 18,774,159 registered voters. The voter turnout, based on the 267 constituencies, was 60.9%.