NPP Withdraws From Tamale Central By-Election Caused by Murtala Mohammed’s Death

• The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has said that it will not take part in the upcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election
• The by-election was necessitated by the death of the area’s MP, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, in a helicopter crash on August 6
• Executive Director at Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah, criticised the NPP's decision in his comments to YEN.com.gh

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) said it would not field a candidate in the upcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election.

The NPP reportedly arrived at this decision following a National Steering Committee meeting on August 11.

The by-election is being necessitated by the death of the area’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 helicopter tragedy.

In a statement, the party said it was wary of the circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat had become vacant.

It also said it did not want to deepen political divisions at a time of national mourning.

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“The NPP is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed MP."

The party noted that the most fitting way to honour Murtala Mohammed and the other crash victims was not only to intensify the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) but also to ensure a peaceful and uncontentious process to replace the late MP.

Pollster and Executive Director at Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah, was critical of the NPP's decision in comments to YEN.com.gh.

"It is against democratic principles not to contest a by-election because of death. We can't pick and choose. There must be a contest. What would have been NPP's position if it was Ablekuma North, Akuapim South or Dome-Kwabenya? Same principle?"

About the August 6 Obuasi helicopter crash

Murtala Mohammed was one of two ministers who died in the crash. Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah was also killed when the helicopter they were travelling in went down in the Adansi Akrofuom district.

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The helicopter the officials were travelling in crashed into a dense forest as it was flying from Accra to Obuasi for a state event.

The other civilians who died in the crash were former Obuasi East parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru and National Democratic Congress Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong.

The army personnel who died in the crash were Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala and Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu.

An eyewitness at the helicopter crash site claimed the helicopter hit a tree and a mountain before going down in flames in a thick forest.

Another eyewitness told the BBC the helicopter was unusually low when it crashed. One man said he heard the aircraft overhead before by a loud bang.

Akwatia by-election set for September 2

YEN.com.gh also previously reported that the Electoral Commission announced it would hold the Akwatia by-election on September 2, 2025.

The by-election was necessary after the death of MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi. Nomination forms would also be received between August 11 and 13, 2025.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh