The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced its decision not to field a candidate in the upcoming Tamale Central parliamentary by-election, following the tragic death of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 helicopter crash.
The party’s National Steering Committee made this unprecedented decision during a meeting held on August 11, 2025. NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong formally communicated the resolution in a statement issued Monday evening.
Dr. Murtala Mohammed, who served as both Environment Minister and Tamale Central MP, was among eight people killed when a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Ashanti region on August 6, 2025.
The crash also claimed the life of Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah, marking one of Ghana’s most devastating political tragedies in recent memory.
The helicopter was en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Program when it lost contact with authorities around 9:00 a.m. All passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft perished in the accident.
The NPP cited respect for the late Dr. Murtala Mohammed and the need to avoid inflaming political tensions in the aftermath of the tragedy as primary reasons for withdrawing from the contest. The party described the move as aimed at fostering national cohesion during this period of national mourning.
This decision represents a rare occurrence in Ghana’s political landscape, where opposition parties typically contest parliamentary by-elections regardless of circumstances.
The NPP’s withdrawal effectively clears the path for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to retain the seat, though other parties may still choose to participate.
The Tamale Central constituency has been a traditional stronghold for the NDC, with Dr. Murtala Mohammed has secured the seat for the party in the December 2024 general elections.
His dual role as MP and Cabinet minister had made him one of the most prominent political figures from the Northern Region.
The NPP’s decision reflects the deep respect accorded to Dr. Murtala Mohammed across party lines and demonstrates an unusual display of political maturity in Ghana’s often polarized political environment.
Political analysts suggest this gesture could set a precedent for how parties handle similar tragic circumstances in the future.
Dr. Murtala Mohammed was buried in Accra, with final funeral rites scheduled to take place in Tamale on August 12.
The NPP’s withdrawal announcement comes as the nation continues to mourn the loss of the eight crash victims.
The Electoral Commission is expected to announce the date for the Tamale Central by-election soon, though the NPP’s withdrawal significantly alters the political dynamics of the contest.
This development underscores the profound impact of the August 6 tragedy on Ghana’s political landscape and the enduring respect for fallen public servants across party lines.
The gesture by the NPP marks a solemn moment in Ghana’s democratic journey, prioritizing national unity over partisan politics in the face of unprecedented loss.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
