NPP’s Decision to Sit Out Tamale Central By-Election ‘Shows Respect, Not Fear’ – Evans Nimako

The Director of Elections for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Evans Nimako, has dismissed suggestions that the party’s decision not to contest the upcoming Tamale Central parliamentary by-election stems from fear of losing.

Mr. Nimako explained that the move was instead a gesture of respect following the tragic death of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofoum in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking on Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu on August 11, Mr. Nimako said it would be “unnecessary” for the NPP to field a candidate under the circumstances.

“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 stated.

The NPP’s decision was confirmed in a statement signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, following a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025.

The fatal crash claimed eight lives, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed. Also on board were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The government declared three days of national mourning, which included a flower-laying ceremony on August 7 and a memorial service on August 9. A state funeral for all victims will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.