Senior Research Fellow Professor Smart Sarpong, from Kumasi Technical University, has provided counsel to Dr. Afriyie Akoto, the former Minister of Food and Agriculture and a hopeful candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer position, as well as his competitor, Addai-Nimoh.

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Professor Sarpong advised them to thoroughly assess their chances in the competition and contemplate withdrawing if they believe their prospects are limited. This guidance follows Alan Kyerematen's recent decision to withdraw from the NPP's flagbearer race, citing intimidation and other factors.

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During a panel discussion on Peace FM's Kokrokoo on September 6, 2023, Professor Sarpong recommended that Dr. Afriyie Akoto and Addaih Nimoh draw inspiration from Kyerematen's actions and engage in a self-evaluation of their potential in the race.

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He underscored the significance of recognizing one's strengths and level of preparedness when entering the political arena. Professor Sarpong encouraged the candidates to carefully evaluate their capacity to secure a victory in the competition and, if it appears insufficient, to contemplate stepping aside.

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"In fact, last week I said that the fourth and fifth aspirants (Afriyie Akoto and Addaih Nimoh) should also look at themselves and do tactical alignment, and I will plead that based on what Chief (Alan Kyerematen) has done, they should draw their minds onto a serious assessment," Professor Sarpong stated.

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“They should sit down and reflect on their chances in the competition, and if they realize that it isn't encouraging, then the best way for them is to pull out. They should step aside because the goal is to go and win. So, if you check your strength and preparation and you realize that can't guarantee you a win, then they should do an assessment and use guidance from passages like Luke Chapter 14, verses 18 to 32. Everyone going for a battle must prepare very well and know what to do. So, if you check and that won't help you, then you should step aside."

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On September 5, 2023, Alan Kyerematen formally declared his withdrawal from the race, citing a range of reasons for his decision. Among these reasons was the alleged intimidation of delegates that occurred during the Super Delegates Conference held on August 26, 2023.

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