NPP Threatens Legal Action Against Alan Kyerematen Over ‘United Party’ Name
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised concerns over the naming of Alan Kyerematen’s newly launched political party, the United Party (UP), citing potential legal violations and a threat to the NPP’s political heritage. The party is considering legal action to challenge what it describes as an improper and misleading appropriation of its historical roots.
Member of Parliament for Walewale, Tia Kabiru, accused Kyerematen of attempting to “rob” the NPP of its foundational legacy by adopting the United Party name—an identity that Kabiru argues is closely linked to the ideological lineage of the NPP.
Kabiru said the move could distort Ghana’s political history and confuse voters ahead of the 2026 general elections. “You are basically robbing the New Patriotic Party of its heritage if we allow the name to stand,” he stated. He cited Section 10 of the Political Parties Act, 2000 (Act 574), which prohibits the use of party names, symbols, or slogans that are likely to mislead or cause confusion with existing registered parties.
“The United Party was a political organisation formed in 1957 by Dr. K.A. Busia and others after the merger of opposition groups in response to Kwame Nkrumah’s CPP,” Kabiru explained. “It was later dissolved when Ghana became a one-party state, but the NPP, established in 1992, has always maintained that it is the ideological successor to that tradition.”
Alan Kyerematen, a former Minister of Trade and Industry and a one-time NPP presidential aspirant, formally introduced the United Party during a ceremony at the Coconut Grove Hotel in Accra on Thursday, October 16, 2025. In his address, Kyerematen described the new formation as a national movement that aims to transcend the limitations of Ghana’s two-party system and unite the country under a shared vision of progress.
“Today, we lift Ghana UP—united in purpose, driven by integrity, and committed to prosperity for all,” Kyerematen told supporters. “This is not just the birth of a party, but the beginning of a movement that puts Ghana first.”
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has issued a provisional certificate to the United Party, allowing it to operate under that name for now. However, Kabiru questioned the EC’s decision to grant such a certificate, suggesting that the matter deserves further scrutiny.
“I wonder why the Electoral Commission went ahead to give them the provisional certificate,” he said. “Nonetheless, I admit that it is provisional and subject to petition. They are bound to review their decision if a valid complaint is submitted.”
According to Kabiru, the NPP is exploring legal options to challenge the use of the name, citing not only the Political Parties Act but also concerns around potential trademark infringement. He expressed confidence that a court would find sufficient grounds to compel Kyerematen to rebrand his political organisation.
The United Party name has deep historical significance in Ghanaian politics. Originally formed in 1957, it was the main opposition force against Kwame Nkrumah’s Convention People’s Party (CPP) before being disbanded under the Avoidance of Discrimination Act, which paved the way for Ghana’s transition into a one-party state. The NPP has long claimed this political lineage, often describing itself as the inheritor of the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition.
Kyerematen’s decision to use the name appears to be a strategic move aimed at connecting his new party to that historical foundation, possibly in an attempt to draw support from disaffected members of the NPP and other groups seeking a third alternative to the NPP and NDC.
However, with the NPP gearing up for the 2026 general elections, party leaders are taking a firm stance against any perceived attempts to dilute or appropriate their political identity. The outcome of any legal challenge could set an important precedent for how Ghana’s Electoral Commission interprets and enforces naming conventions under existing political party regulations.
While no official lawsuit has yet been filed, the NPP’s internal legal team is reportedly reviewing the matter, and a petition to the Electoral Commission is likely in the coming days. The party may also seek a court injunction to prevent the United Party from using the name during political activities pending a final determination.
The Electoral Commission, for its part, has not yet responded publicly to the criticism or indicated whether it would reconsider the certification.
With the 2026 election season fast approaching, the battle over political symbols and heritage appears to be heating up, potentially adding a new layer of legal and ideological contestation to Ghana’s already vibrant democratic landscape.
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