The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced its decision to not participate in the upcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election. The by-election is being held to find a replacement for the late Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, who died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, alongside seven others.
The decision was made during a National Steering Committee meeting at the party’s headquarters on Monday, August 11, 2025. According to a statement released by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP considered various factors, including the circumstances of Dr. Mohammed’s death and the potential for increased national polarization.
The NPP believes it would be “inhumane and unconscionable” to subject the nation to a competitive electoral process so soon after the tragedy. The party stated its desire to avoid the “tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections.” The statement emphasized that the greatest tribute to the departed MP would be to ensure a smooth and peaceful replacement for the people of Tamale Central.
The party announced that it will not take part in the contest when the Electoral Commission of Ghana opens nominations for the by-election. The decision, the NPP stated, is in the “national interest.”
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
