The leadership New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a statement announcing that it will not participate in the upcoming by-election to fill the seat of the late Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Hon. Murtala Mohammed, who sadly passed away following a helicopter crash.
The party’s leadership indicated that, in light of the circumstances surrounding his unfortunate incident, it would be inhumane and unconscionable to engage the nation in a competitive electoral process at this time.
The statement reads;
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has resolved that it would not take part in the Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election to elect a replacement for the late Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Constituency, who was among the eight (8) who lost their lives in service of the Republic in the helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
The decision was taken by the Party at a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the Party Headquarters pursuant to Article 10(10)(1) of the Party Constitution.
In arriving at the decision, the Party considered many factors, including the circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant and the possibility of a further polarization of the country at this critical time.
The NPP is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive processes in search of a replacement for the departed MP. The Party believes that the tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided.
It is the considered view of the Party that the greatest tribute that the NPP and the rest of the nation can pay in honour of the departed, is not only to win the fight against Galamsey but also to ensure a smooth and peaceful replacement for the good people of Tamale Central.
Consequently, the NPP hereby announces that when the Electoral Commission of Ghana opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election in line with Article 112 (5) of Ghana’s Constitution, the Party will, in accord with the national interest, not take part in the contest.
