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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced it will not participate in the upcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election, following the death of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 military helicopter crash.
Dr. Murtala Mohammed was among eight individuals who died when the aircraft went down in Adansi Akrofoum in the Ashanti Region. His passing triggered preparations for a by-election in line with Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP said the decision was reached at a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025. The party explained that the move, guided by Article 10(10)(1) of its constitution, was influenced by the sensitive circumstances surrounding the vacancy.
“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 tension often linked to by-elections should be avoided during this period of national mourning.
The party emphasised that the best way to honour Dr. Murtala Mohammed and other crash victims was to intensify the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) while ensuring a peaceful and uncontentious succession process.
“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.
