The Electoral Commission of Ghana has announced that the parliamentary by-election for the Tamale Central Constituency will take place on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, following the tragic death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Hon. Murtala Muhammed Ibrahim.
In a statement signed by EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, dated 19th August 2025, the commission confirmed that the electoral exercise has been scheduled in accordance with constitutional requirements.
The by-election will be held in accordance with Article 112 (5) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the conduct of a by-election within 60 days after a parliamentary seat becomes vacant
The by-election follows the untimely passing of Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who served as both the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, and seven other prominent Ghanaians, died in a tragic helicopter crash.
The constituency was secured by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 general elections, with Dr. Mohammed won by a significant margin of over 30,000 votes.
The commission has outlined specific procedures for prospective candidates seeking to contest the seat.
Nominations from prospective candidates will be received at the Tamale Metropolitan Office from Monday, September 8 to Wednesday, September 10, 2025, between 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily.
Interested candidates can access nomination forms through the Electoral Commission’s official website during the period from August 19 to September 10, 2025.
In an effort to promote inclusivity and encourage broader participation in the electoral process, the commission has implemented a differentiated fee structure for filing nominations.
The Commission specified that “the filing fee for Female Candidates and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) is Seven Thousand Five Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH₵7,500.00)”, representing a reduced rate compared to the standard filing fee for other candidates.
The Tamale Central constituency holds significant political importance within Ghana’s Northern Region, serving as a key battleground for both the NDC and the New Patriotic Party.
The upcoming by-election will test the political temperature in the constituency and could provide insights into voter sentiment following the 2024 general elections.
Electoral officials are expected to implement comprehensive security measures and logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the election.
The commission’s announcement comes at a time when Ghana’s democracy continues to demonstrate its resilience through peaceful electoral transitions and adherence to constitutional provisions.
The September 30 date provides adequate time for political parties to organize their campaigns, select suitable candidates, and mobilize their support bases within the constituency.
All stakeholders, including civil society organizations, will be closely monitoring the process to ensure transparency and credibility in the electoral exercise.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
