NPP Declines to Contest Tamale Central By-election
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced it will not field a candidate in the upcoming Tamale Central Constituency by-election to replace the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
Dr. Murtala, who also served as Minister for Environment, Technology, and Innovation, was among those who perished in the tragic helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6. His passing has left the Tamale Central parliamentary seat vacant, triggering constitutional provisions for a by-election under Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.
Although the Electoral Commission is yet to release details of the poll, the NPP says its decision was taken at a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025. In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party cited Article 10(10)(1) of its constitution, noting that the choice was influenced by the sensitive circumstances of the vacancy and the need to avoid political tensions during a period of national 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, adding that by-elections in Ghana often spark unnecessary acrimony.
The NPP stressed that the most fitting tribute to Dr. Murtala and the other crash victims would be to intensify the fight against illegal mining and ensure a calm, respectful transition in filling the seat.
“When the Electoral Commission opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election, the NPP will, in the national interest, refrain from participating,” the party concluded.