The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced it will not present a candidate for the upcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election, following the tragic death of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 military helicopter crash.
Dr. Mohammed was among eight people who perished when the aircraft went down in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region, while en route to an anti-illegal mining event. His passing created a vacancy in the Tamale Central seat, triggering preparations for a by-election in line with Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.
In a statement signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party said the decision was made at a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025. The resolution, taken under Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP Constitution, was influenced by the “circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant” and the party’s desire to avoid political tension during a period of national grief.
“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, adding that the acrimony often associated with by-elections should be avoided at this time.
The party described the most fitting tribute to Dr. Mohammed and the other crash victims as not only intensifying the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) but also ensuring a peaceful and respectful succession process.
“When the Electoral Commission of Ghana opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election, the NPP will, in the national interest, not take part in the contest,” the statement concluded.
Political analysts note that the decision is unusual in Ghana’s highly competitive political environment and could pave the way for a consensus candidate or even an uncontested election in the constituency.
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