Dr. Tiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Walewale, has called on political actors and the general public to exercise restraint and show compassion following the sudden demise of Hon. Mahama Naser Toure, MP for Ayawaso East, criticizing the premature discussions regarding a political successor.
Speaking during the Adua funeral rites held in honor of the late lawmaker, who passed away on January 4, 2026, leaving his constituency, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the broader parliamentary body in a state of shock, Dr. Mahama explained the rush to speculate on who will fill the now vacant seat reflects a significant lack of empathy and diminishes the human toll of the loss.
“It’s so early, it’s so sudden, that while we should be crying and else-sympathising with the family, we are talking about who to replace him. The new person can equally die. I think that as people, we should begin to have some humanity in what we do”
Dr. Tiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama, MP for Walewale
Dr. Mahama argued that at a time when the family and the nation are still grappling with the pain of Toure’s departure, the focus should remain on grieving and providing collective support. The Walewale legislator emphasized that the dignity of the late MP’s memory must be protected from the “political calculations” that often follow such tragic events.
Honoring A Legacy
Hon. Mahama Naser Toure, who was 60 at the time of his death, was a veteran of the Fourth Republic, having served the Ayawaso East constituency across multiple parliaments.
Dr. Mahama described his late colleague as a committed member of the NDC and a personal friend who carried out his duties with a deep sense of dedication. Despite being on the opposite side of the political aisle, the NPP lawmaker noted that the bond shared among parliamentarians transcends partisan lines, making the loss a shared burden for the entire House.
Dr. Mahama further appealed for a sense of decorum, particularly from those within the NDC who will eventually be tasked with selecting a candidate for the anticipated by-election, and the candidates themselves.
He reminded all stakeholders that the office of a Member of Parliament is a position held by human beings whose lives are fragile, and as such, political processes should be handled with a high degree of decorum and respect for the deceased. “For now, let’s dignify his memory by not talking about who should replace him,” he added.
Call For National Solidarity
The sudden loss of Hon. Toure has sparked a wider conversation about the pressures of public life and the need for unity in moments of national grief.
Dr. Mahama urged Ghanaians to use this period of mourning as an opportunity to reunite as a people, stressing that the “human cost” of political leadership is often overlooked – and that the current atmosphere should remind all public figures of the importance of solidarity over rivalry.
“Let’s use this opportunity to reunite ourselves as people and as a country,” Dr. Mahama reiterated.
The late MP, a marketing professional and former CEO, was a respected voice on the Energy and Roads and Transport committees. His constituents in Nima and beyond have spent the past week commiserating with his family at their Spintex residence, following Islamic traditions.
