Alan Kyerematen, a former trade minister and presidential contender, has rebranded his political platform, the Movement for Change, under a new banner: the United Party (UP Plus). The change marks a strategic pivot aimed at positioning the group as a credible alternative to Ghana’s traditional two-party dominance.
At an unveiling ceremony held in Accra, party chairman Abubakar Saddique Boniface said the rebrand was both a symbolic and practical step toward establishing a new political force built on competence and transparency.
“This is not just a change of name. UP Plus represents a renewed commitment to transformative governance rooted in universal values and credible leadership,” Mr. Boniface said.
The new name draws on the legacy of the United Party, a historically significant political formation in Ghana’s post-independence era. Analysts say the branding could resonate with voters looking for reform but wary of political instability.
Mr. Kyerematen, who left the ruling New Patriotic Party in 2023 to launch the Movement for Change, described the rebranding as a “new dawn” for Ghanaian politics.
“Our goal is to move beyond the winner-takes-all system that has hampered national unity,” he said. “We are ushering in an era of economic transformation, job creation, and accountable governance.”
He pledged to prioritize anti-corruption measures, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
The party received formal registration from the Electoral Commission of Ghana on October 3, solidifying its legal status ahead of the 2026 general elections.
UP Plus joins a growing list of political actors seeking to disrupt the duopoly of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which have alternated power since the 1990s.
Whether the rebranded movement can translate its message into electoral success remains to be seen. But with Kyerematen’s political pedigree and a platform promising structural reform, UP Plus is likely to draw attention in the lead-up to next year’s vote.
