NPP bows out of Tamale Central by-election to honour late MP
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced it will not participate in the upcoming Tamale Central parliamentary by-election, following the tragic passing of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 military helicopter crash.
Dr. Mohammed was among eight individuals who lost their lives when the aircraft went down in Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region.
His death has created a vacancy in the Tamale Central seat, triggering a by-election in accordance with Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP said the decision was unanimously taken at a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the party’s headquarters.
Citing Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP Constitution, the party explained that its choice was guided by the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the MP’s death and a desire to preserve national unity and respect the mood of mourning.
“The NPP believes it would be inhumane and insensitive to subject the country to a political contest so soon after such a devastating national tragedy,” the statement said.
It also noted that by-elections in Ghana often come with heightened tension and division, an outcome the party said must be avoided during this period of collective grief.
The NPP further emphasised that the most respectful way to honour Dr. Mohammed and the other victims of the crash is not only through a renewed commitment to fighting illegal mining, a cause the late MP championed, but also by supporting a peaceful, non-partisan transition in the constituency.
“When the Electoral Commission opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election, the NPP will, in the spirit of national interest, abstain from contesting,” the statement concluded.
Political analysts view the NPP’s decision as a rare act of statesmanship in Ghana’s competitive political landscape, potentially paving the way for a consensus candidate or an uncontested race in Tamale Central.