Alan, Afriyie Akoto must be sacked as you did to Joe Ghartey – Ephson

Pollster Ben Ephson has urged President Akufo-Addo to sack Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen and Agric Minister Owusu Afriyie Akoto from his government since he acknowledges that they want to contest for the presidency.

It comes after the President during an introduction of his minister at Manyhia in Kumasi told the Ashanti Monarch that both Alan and Dr Afriyie Akoto have their eyes on the Presidency.

“Asantehene, allow me introduce my team members. Here is your grandson, Dr. Afriyie Akoto, my Agric Minister who wants to become the President. Nana, this is Alan Kyeremanten, he has been vying for my seat for a very long time, a very workaholic Minister,” he added.

Speaking to Francis Abban on Morning Starr, Mr Ephson said the two must be treated like former Railway Minister Joe Ghartey when he expressed interest in the presidency in an interview Takoradi-based Empire FM.

“The President must sack the two Ministers once he himself has acknowledged that they are interested in the Presidency. By the same rule that applied with Joe Ghartey when he spoke in that radio interview, he must sack the two.

“The President had said that he will not allow people to be ministers and still campaign to be president and that rule affected Joe Ghartey”.

Mr Ephson also noted the Agric Minister stands no chance of winning the presidential primaries of the governing New Patriotic Party considering his age.

“If Afriyie Akoto pulls his heart in the race, I don’t think at age, 75, he stands a chance. I do not think Ghanaians will vote for anyone beyond 70 to lead them again. It does not look so”.

The Daily Dispatch Editor also noted former Governor of the Central Bank who Dr Kwabena Duffuor who is speculated to be challenging former President John Mahama for the NDC presidential slot stands a little chance at securing the button.