The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced that it will not participate in the Tamale Central Constituency by-election to elect the successor to the late MP, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
Dr. Murtala, who doubled as the Minister for Environment, Technology, and Innovation, was one of the victims who perished in the helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6.
His passing has left the Tamale Central seat vacant, triggering constitutional procedures for a by-election under Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.
Although the Electoral Commission is yet to announce the modalities for the by-election, the NPP has explained that the decision was reached during a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025.
The statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong noted that the resolution, grounded in Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP Constitution, was shaped by the circumstances surrounding the vacancy and a desire to avoid heightening 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 said, adding that by-elections in Ghana often carry tension and acrimony that should be avoided at this time.
The NPP further stated that the best way to honour Dr. Murtala and the other crash victims is not only to step up efforts against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey but also to ensure a calm, respectful, and non-contentious 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 statement concluded.
Source: Adomonline.com
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Below is the full statement:
