NPP to Boycott Tamale Central By-Election in Honour of Late MP Murtala Mohammed

The decision was made at a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11, in accordance with Article 10(10)(1) of the party’s constitution.

In a statement signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party said the move was influenced by the tragic circumstances under which the seat became vacant and the need to avoid deepening political divisions during a period of grief.

“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, noting that by-elections often bring “tension and acrimony.”

The NPP said the greatest tribute to the late MP would be to strengthen national unity against illegal mining and ensure a peaceful succession process for the Tamale Central seat.

The party confirmed it would not field a candidate when the Electoral Commission opens nominations for the by-election in line with Article 112(5) of the Constitution.

Dr. Murtala Mohammed, who also served as Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, was among eight people killed when a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi-Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

Other victims included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong; and three crew members — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The aircraft, which departed Accra at 09:12 GMT en route to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining event, went “off the radar” before being located. A search-and-rescue mission later confirmed there were no survivors.

The Electoral Commission is yet to announce the date for the Tamale Central by-election.