Professor of Political Science at the University of Ghana Ransford Yaw Gyampo says that other New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer candidates may withdraw from the campaign "if care is not taken."
According to him, the intimidation cited by one of the candidates for flagbearer, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, who withdrew from the contest on Tuesday, September 5th, appears to be experienced by other candidates.
This suggestion was made by Professor Gyampo on Tuesday, September 5.
Mr. Kyerematen, who placed third in the Super Delegates Conference held on Saturday, August 26, announced that he would not be participating in all procedures leading up to the November 4 Presidential Primary.
According to Mr. Kyerematen, the Conference was "strategic and tactically biased in favor of a specific aspirant."
"The statements made by some prominent party members both before and after the elections lend credence to my observations," he added.
After Mr Kyerematen, who was considered a frontrunner, placed third, behind Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Assin Central Member of Parliament (MP) Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, some have described the move as predictable.
Prof. Gyampo poured scorn on those who described the decision as predictable.
"If people are saying that this was to be expected, then we should brace ourselves, shed our arrogance, and devise measures to deal with the threat posed by individuals with Alan's persona or pedigree leaving such a contest.
"If you claim it is to be expected, then why did you fight the election in that manner? Why were you intimidating if you knew that he was going to go out?
"If you say it's to be anticipated, are they also anticipating other individuals, other candidates, and other aspirants to withdraw from the November 4 election? If they anticipate additional candidates to withdraw, they should inform us."
For him, this could lead to the withdrawal of other candidates.
"However, I warn them that if care is not taken before November 4, additional candidates will withdraw as well."
Dr. Bawumia, Mr. Agyapong, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimah will compete for the position to lead the ruling party into the 2024 elections following Mr. Kyerematen's withdrawal.