NPP Withdraws from Tamale Central By-election Following the Death of MP Murtala Mohammed
Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has withdrawn from the Tamale Central parliamentary by-election, citing national unity and respect for the late Member of Parliament, Dr Murtala Mohammed, whose death in a military helicopter crash last week triggered the poll.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP said the decision was reached at a national steering committee meeting on August 11 and was in line with Article 10(10)(1) of the party’s constitution and Article 112(5) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
The party said it had considered “the circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat became vacant” and the potential for “political polarisation” at a sensitive time. “By-elections in Ghana are often characterised by tension and acrimony, which we believe the country must avoid at all costs in this period of mourning,” the statement read.
Dr Mohammed, who also served as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, was among eight victims of the crash, which has prompted national grief and calls for unity across political divides. The NPP said the best tribute would be to advance the fight against illegal mining — a cause closely associated with the late minister — and to ensure his successor is chosen in a way that promotes peace.
While the Electoral Commission has yet to set a date for the by-election, the NPP’s withdrawal leaves the race open for other parties, most notably the opposition National Democratic Congress, which is expected to defend its seat.
