By:Baba Mohammed Issahaq
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally announced it will not participate in the upcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election, following the tragic death of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in last week’s helicopter crash.
Dr. Murtala Mohammed was among eight people who died in the August 6 incident while on national duty. His passing has left the Tamale Central seat vacant, prompting preparations for a by-election under Ghana’s Constitution.
In a statement signed by the Party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP explained that its decision was reached during a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11. The Party cited the sensitive circumstances surrounding the vacancy and the need to avoid further political polarisation during a period of national grief.
“It would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to competitive processes in search of a replacement for the departed MP,” the statement read. The Party stressed that by-elections often generate tension and acrimony, which should be avoided at this critical time.
Instead, the NPP said the greatest tribute to the late MP and to the other victims of the crash would be to maintain peace in the constituency and continue the national fight against illegal mining (galamsey), a cause Dr. Murtala Mohammed championed.
The statement concluded that when the Electoral Commission opens nominations for the by-election under Article 112(5) of the Constitution, the NPP will “in accord with the national interest, not take part in the contest.”
The Electoral Commission is yet to announce the date for the Tamale Central by-election.
