The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has confirmed it will contest the Akwatia by-election on September 2, 2025, while casting doubt on the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) decision to sit out the Tamale Central poll.
The NPP recently announced it would not field a candidate in the Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election following the death of the constituency’s MP, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 helicopter crash.
In a statement signed by Deputy National Communications Officer Godwin Ako Gunn, the NDC described the NPP’s move as “the best decision they have taken in recent times” but suggested it was a calculated strategy to avoid electoral defeat and garner public sympathy ahead of the Akwatia vote.
“This is not the first time that a political party has refused to contest a by-election. The NDC refused to contest in Ejisu after the demise of John Kumah. We also want to put on record that the Akwatia seat was in court and unresolved until the unfortunate passing of our brother, Ernest Kumi,” the statement noted.
The party also urged caution in accepting the NPP’s declaration at face value, pointing to past reversals. “In the Ablekumah North rerun, the NPP declared that they were not contesting, but they were the first to hit the grounds,” Mr. Gunn recalled.
The NDC extended condolences to the family of the late Ernest Kumi, whose death necessitated the Akwatia by-election, and to the families of the “gallant eight heroes” who perished in the August 6 crash.
Mr. Gunn further advised party members to be mindful of their public remarks during this period of national mourning.
The Akwatia by-election is expected to be one of the most closely watched political contests ahead of Ghana’s 2026 general elections.
