The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced it will not participate in the upcoming Tamale Central parliamentary by-election to replace the late Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who died in the August 6 Ghana Air Force helicopter crash.
The decision, taken at a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11, is in line with Article 10(10)(1) of the party’s constitution.
According to the party, the choice was influenced by the tragic circumstances under which the seat became vacant and the need to avoid deepening political divisions at a time of national 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 signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong said, adding that by-elections often come with tension and acrimony.
The NPP described the greatest tribute to the late MP as a united national front against illegal mining and a peaceful succession process for the constituency.
The party confirmed that when the Electoral Commission opens nominations for the by-election in line with Article 112(5) of the Constitution, it will not field a candidate.
Dr. Murtala Mohammed, MP for Tamale Central and former Minister for Environment, was among eight people who died in the crash in the Adansi-Akrofuom District of the Ashanti region.
