Evans Nimako, Director of Elections for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has dismissed claims that the party’s decision not to contest the upcoming Tamale Central parliamentary by-election was motivated by fear of defeat.
He said it would be “unnecessary” for the NPP to field a candidate, given the circumstances surrounding the death of the area’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed.
The by-election follows the tragic death of Dr. Murtala Muhammed, who was among eight people killed in the August 6 military helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofoum, Ashanti Region. His passing created a vacancy in the Tamale Central seat, necessitating a by-election in line with Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.
In an interview, Mr. Nimako said the NPP’s decision should be commended rather than politicised.
“We lost our dear brothers under very bizarre circumstances. In order to give them a befitting burial and wish them well in their next world, it is not to go through a certain contestation. We’re saying that under the circumstances, there’s no need.
“This principle should be supported by all lovers of democracy in this country. I think you should rather pat the NPP on the back. This gesture by the NPP should rather receive some commendations from lovers of democracy,” he said.
In a statement signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party said the decision was taken during a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at its national headquarters.
The crash claimed the lives of eight people, including Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Aboagye, and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman, Samuel Sarpong, and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
The crew members who perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The government declared a three-day national mourning period, which included a flower-laying ceremony from August 7 and a memorial service held on August 9.
A state funeral for the victims will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.
