Following the unfortunate loss of Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, the local member of parliament, in the August 6 helicopter crash, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has declared that it will not run a candidate in the impending Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election.
Dr. Murtala Mohammed was one of eight people killed in the Ashanti Region’s Adansi Akrofoum when a military helicopter carrying them crashed.
Due to his demise, there is now a vacancy in the Tamale Central seat, and in line with Article 112(5) of the Ghanaian Constitution, plans are on to hold a by-election.
The decision was made at a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the NPP’s national headquarters, according to a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong.
The party cited the “circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant” and the necessity to prevent further escalating political differences at a period of national mourning as reasons for the resolution, which was adopted in accordance with Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP Constitution.
“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.
“The tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided.”
The party noted that the most fitting way to honour Dr. Murtala Mohammed and the other crash victims was not only to intensify the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) but also to ensure a peaceful and uncontentious process to replace 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,” the statement concluded.
