The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has extended his gratitude to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its decision not to contest the upcoming Tamale Central by-election.
The by-election was triggered by the tragic passing of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who died in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, alongside Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and six others, including senior government officials and military personnel.
Speaking at the Adua funeral ceremony for the late MP on August 12, 2025, Mr. Asiedu Nketia acknowledged the NPP’s gesture as a sign of national unity during a time of mourning.
“We thank our brothers in the NPP for declaring that they will not contest us in Tamale Central,” he said. “Now the challenge is ours — whether we will fight among ourselves over who should replace Murtala.”
The NPP had announced its decision on August 11, citing the need to preserve national cohesion and avoid political tension during a period of grief.
Despite the NDC now having a clear path in the upcoming vote, Mr. Asiedu Nketia warned against internal strife within the party and urged members to avoid rushing the selection process for a successor.
“On behalf of the party, I want to say, let us not rush in choosing his successor,” he cautioned. “Let us approach this moment with unity and respect for the legacy of the man we have lost.”
The passing of Dr. Murtala Mohammed, a respected lawmaker and former Deputy Minister, has left a significant void in the Tamale Central constituency. Preparations for the by-election are ongoing in accordance with Ghana’s constitutional requirements.
, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has extended his gratitude to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its decision not to contest the upcoming Tamale Central by-election.){kind=link}