The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has declared 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 died in the tragic military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6. His death has left the Tamale Central seat vacant, activating constitutional provisions for a by-election under Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.
Although the Electoral Commission is yet to outline the process for the by-election, the NPP says its decision was taken during a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025.
A statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong explained that the resolution, rooted in Article 10(10)(1) of the party’s constitution, was influenced by the sensitive nature of the vacancy and the need to avoid political tension during a time of national grief.
“It would be inhumane and insensitive to subject the country to a fiercely competitive process to replace the late MP,” the statement read, noting that by-elections in Ghana often come with heightened tension and division.
The party added that the most appropriate tribute to Dr. Murtala and the other crash victims would be to intensify the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and to ensure a peaceful, respectful, and uncontested transition in filling the seat.
“When the Electoral Commission opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election, the NPP will, in the national interest, abstain from the contest,” the statement concluded.
