The New Patriotic Party (NPP) through a communique dated 11th August 2025, has announced its decision to withdraw from participating in the forthcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election to replace the late Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, who died alongside seven others in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6.

The party has decided not to present a candidate in the Tamale Central by-election when the Electoral Commission of Ghana opens nominations for the by-election by Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution. “The Party will, by the national interest, not take part in the contest.”
According to the party, it is a great way to honour his memory so that his replacement becomes a sober reflection.

The greatest tribute that the NPP and the rest of the nation can pay in honour of the departed is not only to win the fight against galamsey but also to ensure a smooth and peaceful replacement for the good people of Tamale Central,” the statement continued.

While others extend the argument and want to find out if the early decision from the party is a strategy to ward off the National Democratic Congress or a pure solidarity?
The national organizer of the NPP, Henry Nana Boakye, answered that, His expectations are that the NDC also extends the gesture by pulling out of the Akwatia by elections to honor the memory of their very own the late Dr Edwards Omane Boamah , however it is the perogative of the party to decide on what to do.

Read Also: Helicopter Crash: Ghana Loses Defense and Environment Ministers alongside 6 other Hereos .

Following the reactions to the news , some people argue about whether the decision was based on collective opinion from the Tamale Central constituency alongside stakeholders of the party because there is a likelihood of loosing the seat to NDC as Tamale Central is not considered a swing seat Or it was a decision made on their behalf in order to receive a balancing act from the NDC in order to protect the New Patriotic Party’s seat at Akwatia .

However, the NDC has confirmed it will contest the Akwatia by-election.