The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced it will not participate in the upcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election, which is expected to elect a successor to the late Member of Parliament, Alhaji  Dr. Murtala Mohammed.

Dr. Mohammed was among eight individuals who lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, while serving the nation.

According to a statement signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the decision was reached during a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the party’s headquarters in Accra.

The resolution was made pursuant to Article 10(10)(1) of the party’s constitution.

The party cited multiple factors behind its decision, including the sensitive circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat became vacant and concerns about further political polarisation at this critical time.

The NPP argued that holding a competitive by-election under the current climate would be “inhumane and unconscionable” and could exacerbate tensions often associated with such polls.

Instead, the party stressed the importance of focusing national efforts on unity and pressing issues such as the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).

“The greatest tribute 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 read.

The party added that when the Electoral Commission opens nominations for the by-election, in line with Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution, it will refrain from fielding a candidate in the interest of national harmony.