The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially announced it will not field a candidate in the upcoming Tamale Central parliamentary by-election following the tragic death of the area’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, who died in the August 6 helicopter crash.
Dr. Murtala Mohammed was among eight individuals who lost their lives when a military helicopter crashed in Adansi Akrofoum in the Ashanti Region, plunging the nation into mourning. His untimely passing has created a vacancy in the Tamale Central seat, necessitating a by-election as stipulated by Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.
In a statement released on Monday, August 11, 2025, and signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party explained that the decision to withdraw from the by-election was made during a National Steering Committee meeting held at the party’s national headquarters.
The resolution, guided by Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP Constitution, was influenced heavily by the somber circumstances surrounding the vacancy and the desire to avoid deepening political tensions during a time of national grief.
“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,” the statement read. It further noted that the acrimony and tension often accompanying by-elections should be consciously avoided in this sensitive period.
The party emphasized that the best way to honor the legacy of Dr. Murtala Mohammed and the other victims of the crash is not only to intensify efforts against illegal mining (galamsey) — a cause the late MP championed — but also to ensure that the process to replace him remains peaceful and free of political rancor.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Political analysts have described the NPP’s decision as a rare and respectful gesture in Ghana’s usually fiercely competitive political landscape. The move is expected to either pave the way for a consensus candidate or potentially result in an uncontested by-election in the Tamale Central constituency.
The development has been met with mixed reactions, but many commend the party for prioritizing national unity and mourning over political rivalry during this difficult time.
