National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia has expressed appreciation to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for announcing its decision not to contest the upcoming Tamale Central by-election.
The NPP, in a statement on Monday, August 11, 2025, confirmed that it would not field a candidate in the race following the death of Tamale Central MP Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed in the August 6 military helicopter crash. The party explained that its decision was aimed at preventing further political tension and promoting unity during a period of national mourning.
Speaking during the Adua funeral rites for the late MP on Tuesday, August 12, Mr. Asiedu Nketia commended the NPP’s stance, describing it as a gesture of respect and political maturity. However, he cautioned NDC members and prospective aspirants in the constituency to avoid rushing the process of selecting Dr. Mohammed’s replacement.
“We thank our brothers in the NPP for declaring that they will not contest us in Tamale Central. Now the challenge is ours — whether we will fight among ourselves over who should replace Murtala. On behalf of the party, I want to say, let us not rush in choosing his successor,” he urged.
Dr. Mohammed’s death has created a parliamentary vacancy in Tamale Central, triggering preparations for a by-election as required under Ghana’s constitution.
The late MP perished alongside Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, three other high-ranking officials, and three servicemen when the military helicopter they were travelling in crashed in the Northern Region. His passing has been widely mourned across the political spectrum, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, constituents, and national leaders.
