We Won't Contest The Tamale Central By-Election - NPP

The New Patriotic Party says it will not contest the upcoming Tamale Central parliamentary by-election, following the death of the constituency’s MP in a helicopter crash last week. Dr Murtala Mohammed was among eight people killed when a military helicopter crashed in Adansi Akrofoum in the Ashanti Region on 6 August. The NPP said its National Steering Committee reached the decision at a meeting on Monday, citing the “circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant” and the need to avoid inflaming tensions during a period of national mourning.

In a statement, party general secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong said it would be “inhumane and unconscionable” to subject the country to a competitive by-election so soon after the tragedy. The tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided, the statement added. The party further stated that the most fitting tribute to Dr Mohammed and the other victims was to intensify the fight against illegal mining and ensure a peaceful process to replace him. he decision means the opposition party will not submit a candidate when the Electoral Commission opens nominations for the vote.