The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced it will not contest the upcoming Tamale Central Constituency by-election, following the death of the area’s Member of Parliament, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
Dr. Murtala, who also served as Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, was among the eight people who died in the Ghana Air Force helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6. His death has left the Tamale Central seat vacant, triggering constitutional provisions for a by-election under Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution.
Although the Electoral Commission is yet to outline the election timetable, the NPP said its decision was reached at a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party explained that the resolution — taken in accordance with Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP Constitution — was influenced by the need to maintain national unity and avoid inflaming political tensions during a period of mourning.
“It would be inhumane and insensitive to subject the country to a highly competitive process to find a replacement for the late MP,” the statement read, noting that by-elections in Ghana often generate heightened tensions.
The party added that the most fitting tribute to Dr. Murtala and the other crash victims would be to intensify the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) and ensure a respectful, non-contentious process in filling the vacant seat.
“When the Electoral Commission opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election, the NPP will, in the national interest, refrain from participating,” the statement concluded.
Below is the full statement:
