Lawyer and activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has made a significant revelation concerning Ghana’s 2024 presidential elections. During an exclusive interview with broadcaster Kafui Dey, Barker-Vormawor disclosed that Alan Kyerematen, the presidential candidate of the Movement for Change, approached him with an offer to become his running mate in the upcoming elections. This surprising disclosure sheds light on the inner workings of political alliances and how prominent figures from civil society are often approached to step into partisan roles.
Kyerematen’s Proposal to Barker-Vormawor
According to Barker-Vormawor, the proposal from Alan Kyerematen was extended last year as part of efforts to build a strong and appealing political ticket for the 2024 elections. Kyerematen, who broke away from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to form the Movement for Change, was reportedly seeking a fresh and independent-minded figure to join him as vice-presidential candidate.
Barker-Vormawor shared that the offer was serious and came during a period when his activism was gaining nationwide attention. Known for his outspoken stance on governance and civic rights, especially through the #FixTheCountry movement, Barker-Vormawor said he believed the offer was intended to leverage his credibility among the youth and civil society.
Reasons for Declining the Offer
Despite the importance of the opportunity, Barker-Vormawor revealed that he turned it down. He cited two major reasons for rejecting the vice-presidential slot: personal convictions and constitutional age restrictions.
First, he stated that his personal principles and the motivations behind his activism do not align with joining partisan politics at this time. “I had made a personal decision not to involve myself in partisan contests. My focus remains on structural reform and civic empowerment, not political office,” he said during the interview.
Secondly, he mentioned that he does not meet the constitutional age requirement to become Vice President of Ghana. According to the 1992 Constitution, a vice-presidential candidate must be at least 40 years old. Barker-Vormawor, who is younger than the stipulated age, noted this as a legal barrier that further reinforced his decision to decline the offer.
Attempts to Politicize Activism
The activist also used the opportunity to address allegations that his civic work is politically motivated. Critics have often speculated that Barker-Vormawor’s activism was a stepping stone toward a political career, with some suggesting he had political ambitions all along.
He dismissed such narratives, emphasizing that his activism stems from a genuine desire to see improved governance, transparency, and accountability in Ghana. “From the beginning, people said, ‘This guy is only doing this because he wants to contest in 2024.’ That was never true. I am here to push for systemic change, not political gain,” he asserted.
Implications for Ghana’s Political Landscape
The revelation has sparked discussions about the strategies political candidates are employing ahead of the 2024 general elections. Alan Kyerematen’s attempt to bring a well-known activist on board highlights the importance of appealing to independent voters and youth movements. It also reflects a shift in political dynamics, where alliances are no longer strictly based on party affiliations but also on credibility and influence within civil society.
Some political analysts argue that if Barker-Vormawor had accepted the offer, it would have significantly altered the perception of the Movement for Change, potentially attracting a new demographic of voters. However, others believe his decision to remain independent helps preserve the authenticity of civic activism in Ghana.
Barker-Vormawor’s Broader Vision
Throughout the interview, Barker-Vormawor reiterated his commitment to civic education and social transformation. He highlighted that Ghana’s democracy needs more than elections — it needs active participation from citizens and accountability from leadership.
He called on Ghanaians to focus not only on who wins political power but also on building institutions that serve the people. “My goal is to build platforms for the next generation of leaders — not to be one myself. We must rethink what leadership and service mean in our democracy,” he said.
Public Reaction
Since the interview aired, reactions have been mixed. Some supporters of Barker-Vormawor have praised his transparency and principles, describing his refusal as a strong stance against the politicization of civic leadership. Others argue that he missed an opportunity to bring real change from within the system.
Meanwhile, Alan Kyerematen’s camp has not officially responded to the disclosure. Political observers expect that this revelation might prompt further questions about his campaign strategy and future alliances as the election date approaches.
