The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced that it will not participate in the upcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election to replace the late Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed.
Dr. Murtala Mohammed was among eight distinguished Ghanaians who tragically lost their lives in the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash while on national duty. The by-election was triggered by his passing, as required by Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 11, 2025, following a National Steering Committee meeting at the party’s headquarters, the NPP said its decision was taken in line with Article 10(10)(1) of its constitution. The party cited the “circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant” and the need to avoid “further polarization of the country at this critical time” as key factors behind the move.
The NPP stressed that subjecting the nation to the usual competitive and often tension-filled by-election process would be “inhumane and unconscionable” so soon after the tragedy. Instead, the party believes the best way to honour the late MP’s memory is to ensure a peaceful and smooth replacement process, while redoubling efforts to win the national fight against illegal mining (galamsey) — an issue the late MP strongly championed.
“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.
The decision, signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, has been received as a rare gesture of political restraint in Ghana’s highly competitive political environment.
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