The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to pull out of the upcoming parliamentary by-election in Akwatia, scheduled for September 2.

Nana B, as he is popularly known, said such a move would mirror the NPP’s decision not to contest the Tamale Central by-election, following the death of its MP, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 military helicopter crash.

He argued that, given the NDC’s loss of five prominent members in the crash, the party should refrain from engaging in active politics immediately after the state burial.

“We are mourning with them. So, for me, you have a stalwart like honorable from the Eastern Region, I would say that right after the state burial, then we enter into such fierce contest, for me, it will not serve his memory right," he said on Joy FM on August 11.

Mr Nana Boakye referenced recent incidents, including violent clashes in Ablekuma and the devastating helicopter crash, as reasons to prioritise national unity over partisan competition.

“I believe that right after laying such stalwarts to rest, plunging into a fierce contest would not serve their memory well. With the current mood of the nation, lowering the political temperature would be the right thing to do,” he explained.

He added that even though that is his personal expectation, "we leave it to them."

The Akwatia seat became vacant following the death of MP Ernest Yaw Kumi on July 7, 2025, after a brief illness.

He was 40 years old.