The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced it will not participate 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 decision was confirmed today, August 11, in an official statement signed by the Party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, following a National Steering Committee meeting at the NPP headquarters, by Article 10(10)(1) of the Party’s Constitution.

According to the statement, the Party reached its decision after weighing “the circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant and the possibility of a further polarisation of the country at this critical time.”

“It would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed MP,” the statement said, adding that “the tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided.”

The NPP also emphasised that the most fitting way to honour the late MP’s memory was to focus on unity and shared national goals.

“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.

It concluded by stating that, 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.”