 decision not to contest the Tamale Central by-election, describing it as a “good call” in the wake of national mourning.){kind=link}
Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has welcomed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) decision not to contest the Tamale Central by-election, describing it as a “good call” in the wake of national mourning.
In a Facebook post, Mr. Cudjoe encouraged the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to adopt a similar stance by withdrawing from the upcoming Akwatia by-election. “The NPP has decided not to contest the late Hon. Murtala’s seat. Good call. The NDC should do the same. They should not contest Akwatia,” he wrote.
NPP Cites National Unity in Decision
The NPP’s withdrawal follows the death of Tamale Central’s Member of Parliament, Dr. Murtala Mohammed, who was among eight people killed in the August 6 military helicopter crash.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party said the decision was reached at a National Steering Committee meeting on August 11, 2025, in line with Article 10(10)(1) of the party’s constitution.
The NPP noted that the “circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant” called for restraint, stressing the need to avoid deepening political divisions during a period of mourning.
“It would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed MP,” the statement read, adding that the acrimony often associated with by-elections should be avoided.
Honouring the Late MP
The party said the most fitting tribute to Dr. Murtala Mohammed and the other crash victims would be to intensify the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) and ensure a peaceful and uncontested process to fill the vacant seat.
“When the Electoral Commission of Ghana opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election, the NPP will, in accord with the national interest, not take part in the contest,” the statement concluded.
Mr. Cudjoe’s call now places the spotlight on the NDC, which is yet to respond to suggestions that it should also step aside in Akwatia.
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