- Dr. Adomako Kissi says the decision is strategic, not sympathetic
- Decision follows the death of MP Dr. Murtala Muhammed in a helicopter crash
- Resources will be redirected to winnable constituencies
Former Anyaa Sowutuom MP, Dr. Adomako Kissi, has justified the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) decision not to contest the upcoming Tamale Central by-election, describing it as a strategic and pragmatic move rather than an act of political benevolence.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, August 12, Dr. Kissi explained that the party’s internal analysis showed slim chances of success in the constituency, prompting a decision to focus resources elsewhere.
He maintained that contesting in a constituency long dominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would not be a wise investment, especially when those resources could be better utilized in more competitive areas.
“This isn’t about the unfortunate passing,” Dr. Kissi noted. “The numbers in Tamale Central simply don’t favour the NPP. As a serious political party, it wouldn’t be prudent to expend energy and resources on a by-election we’re unlikely to win. Historically, this has always been an NDC stronghold. You have to choose your battles—and the NPP has done just that. It’s not about doing anyone a favour; it’s a practical, forward-looking decision.”
His remarks follow the NPP’s official announcement that it will not field a candidate in the Tamale Central by-election, which was necessitated by the death of the area’s MP, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Muhammed, in a helicopter crash on August 6.
Dr. Muhammed was among eight people who died when a military helicopter went down in Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region. His passing created a parliamentary vacancy, triggering a by-election in accordance with Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.
The NPP’s decision was communicated in a statement signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, following a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the party’s headquarters.
