Helicopter crash: NPP withdraws from Tamale Central by-election

The unfortunate loss of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 helicopter crash has led the New Patriotic Party to declare that it will not run a candidate in the impending Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election.

In the Ashanti Region’s Adansi Akrofoum, a military helicopter carrying Dr. Murtala Mohammed and seven other people crashed, killing them.

In line with Article 112(5) of the Ghanaian Constitution, a by-election is being planned in order to fill the void left by his demise in the Tamale Central seat.

The NPP stated the decision was made at a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025, at its national headquarters, according to a statement signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong.

The party cited the “circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant” and the necessity to prevent further escalating political differences at a period of national mourning as reasons for the resolution, which was adopted in accordance with Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP Constitution.

“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 statement read.

“The tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided.”

The party pointed out that in addition to stepping up the battle against illegal mining (galamsey), the best way to honor Dr. Murtala Mohammed and the other accident victims would be to make sure that the process of replacing the late MP was amicable and uncontroversial.

“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 added.

Read the full statement from Justin Kodua Frimpong below:

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com