In a stunning decision, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced that it will not run in the next Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election following the unfortunate loss of the area’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in the helicopter crash on August 6.
In a statement signed by the party’s Chief Scribe, the NPP announced that the decision to opt out was made during a National Steering Committee meeting at its national headquarters on Monday, August 11, 2025, citing “circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant.”
Justin Kodua stated in the statement, “The NPP is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed MP,”
He added, “The tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided.”
The party stated that the most appropriate way to remember Dr. Murtala Mohammed and the other accident victims was not just to intensify the battle against illegal mining (galamsey), but also to ensure a calm and uncontentious process for replacing the late MP.
“When the Electoral Commission of Ghana opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election, the NPP will, in accord with the national interest, not take part in the contest,” according to the statement.
Political watchers believe the NPP’s decision is an uncommon gesture in Ghana’s competitive political atmosphere, and it could pave the way for a consensus candidate or an uncontested by-election in the constituency.
