REGARD for Murtala: NPP Withdraws from Tamale Central By-Election

In an unexpected turn of events, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has declared that it will not take part in the upcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election, following the tragic death of the area's Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in the helicopter crash on August 6. The NPP, through a statement from the party's Chief Scribe, announced that this decision was made during a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at its national headquarters, citing the “circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant.” Justin Kodua explained in the statement that “The NPP believes it would be both inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the late MP.” He further mentioned that “The tension and acrimony typically associated with by-elections in the country should be avoided.” The party stressed that the best way to honor Dr. Murtala Mohammed and the other crash victims is to not only intensify the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) but also to ensure a peaceful and non-contentious process for replacing the deceased MP. “When the Electoral Commission of Ghana opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election, the NPP will, in alignment with the national interest, abstain from participating in the contest,” the statement concluded. Political analysts suggest that the NPP’s decision marks a rare gesture in Ghana’s competitive political scene, potentially allowing for a consensus candidate or an uncontested by-election in the constituency.