The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially announced it will not contest 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 helicopter went down in the Adansi Akrofuom area of the Ashanti Region, leaving a vacancy in the Tamale Central seat. In accordance with Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution, a by-election is now being organized to fill the position.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP said its decision was made during a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the party’s headquarters.
The statement explained that the move aligns with Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP Constitution and was influenced by the “circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant.” It emphasized the need to avoid political tension and further division during a period of national mourning.
“The NPP believes 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.
“The tension and acrimony often associated with by-elections in Ghana should be avoided.”
The party further stated that the most appropriate way to honour the memory of Dr. Murtala Mohammed and the other victims of the crash is by continuing the fight against illegal mining (galamsey)—a cause many of them supported—and by ensuring a peaceful transition in the Tamale Central seat.
“When the Electoral Commission 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 symbolic gesture in Ghana’s often competitive political landscape—potentially opening the door for a consensus candidate or an uncontested election in the constituency.
