The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has declared it will not put forward a candidate in the forthcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election, subsequent to the unfortunate passing of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 helicopter crash.
Dr. Murtala Mohammed was one of eight people who died when a military helicopter they were aboard crashed in Adansi Akrofoum in the Ashanti Region.
His death has led to a vacancy in the Tamale Central seat, leading to preparations for a bye-election as per Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.
In a statement issued by NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party revealed the decision was made during a National Steering Committee meeting conducted on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the party’s national headquarters.
The resolution, made pursuant to Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP Constitution, was influenced by what the party termed the “circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant” and the need to refrain from exacerbating political divisions during a period of national mourning.
“The NPP believes that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed MP,” the statement said. “The tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of bye-elections in the country should be avoided.”
The party indicated that the most appropriate way to pay tribute to Dr. Murtala Mohammed and the other victims of the crash was not only to intensify the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) but also to ensure a peaceful and uncontested process for replacing the late MP. “When the Electoral Commission of Ghana opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election, the NPP will, in line with the national interest, not participate in the contest,” the statement concluded.
Political analysts note that the NPP’s decision is an uncommon gesture in Ghana’s competitive political landscape, potentially paving the way for a consensus candidate or an uncontested by-election in the constituency.
