KEY POINTS
- NPP rules out Tamale Central by-election contest.
- Party cites unity and respect for late MP.
- Move aims to avoid political polarisation.
Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party says it won’t take part in the Tamale Central parliamentary by-election to replace the late Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, who died in a helicopter crash last week.
The decision, announced August 11 in a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, followed a National Steering Committee meeting at the party’s headquarters. Party leaders said the move aligns with Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP Constitution.
Citing unity after MP’s death
The NPP said it weighed the circumstances surrounding the vacancy and concluded that entering the Tamale Central by-election would risk deepening political divisions. The statement described the idea of contesting the seat as “inhumane and unconscionable” so soon after the tragedy.
Tamale Central by-election seen as potential flashpoint
Party officials warned that the acrimony often tied to by-elections could inflame tensions. Instead, they framed their absence as a step toward national unity and a tribute to the late MP’s legacy.
Honouring the late MP’s memory
In its statement, the NPP said the most fitting tribute was to focus on shared goals, including the fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. The party confirmed it will stand aside even when the Electoral Commission opens nominations under Article 112(5) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
