NPP Withdrawal Sparks Debate on Scrapping Ghana By-Elections

Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) formalized its withdrawal from the Tamale Central by-election, calling the move a gesture of unity after MP Dr. Murtala Mohammed’s death in the August 6 helicopter crash.

In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party cited constitutional grounds and declared a competitive race “inhumane” during national mourning. The decision has ignited calls for broader electoral reform.

Private legal practitioner Kofi Bentil praised the NPP’s step on Facebook, urging the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to reciprocate by abandoning the Akwatia by-election.

He further advocated abolishing by-elections entirely, suggesting automatic MP replacements instead. “Ask the British why they replace prime ministers without voting each time,” Bentil argued, framing the move as cost-effective and sensitive. His view aligns with IMANI Africa’s Franklin Cudjoe, who earlier called the NPP’s withdrawal a “good call” worthy of NDC emulation.

The NPP emphasized honoring Dr. Mohammed through intensified anti-galamsey efforts and peaceful transitions. Meanwhile, Election Watch Ghana continues pressing the Electoral Commission to postpone Akwatia’s September 2 vote after NDC elections director Dr. Edward Omane Boamah also died in the crash. With two vacant seats and competing appeals—scrap polls or pause them—the EC faces mounting pressure to redefine fairness in times of tragedy.