Member of Parliament (MP) for Afadjato South, Hon. Frank Afriyie, has suggested that the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) decision to withdraw from the Tamale Central by-election is more than a political retreat.
According to him, the move is a subtle invitation to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to stay out of the upcoming Akwatia by-election scheduled for September 2, 2025.
“NPP’s decision to boycott or to opt out of the Tamale Central by-election, I believe, is simply a tacit invitation to the NDC to reciprocate concerning the Akwatia by-election. But we are dealing with a group that sometimes engages in multiple speech, not just double speech”
Hon. Frank Afriyie, MP for Afadjato South
The Tamale Central by-election became necessary after the death of the sitting MP and Environment Minister, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Muhammed, in a helicopter crash on August 6. The NPP formally announced on Tuesday, August 12, that it would not contest the seat.
Despite what he described as a gesture of political courtesy, Hon. Afriyie maintained that the NDC will not withdraw from the Akwatia race. He signalled a fiercely contested poll ahead, dismissing any suggestion that the opposition party would allow the governing NPP an uncontested win.
“Before a crucial poll, you’re fighting among yourselves… why should the voter choose such a party?” he asked, criticising what he sees as the NPP’s internal disunity ahead of the Akwatia by-election.
The Afadjato South legislator also used the occasion to address the conversation surrounding prophecies related to political figures, particularly in relation to the August 6 helicopter crash, cautioning leaders against ignoring those about national and political events.
“We shouldn’t adopt a ‘see nothing, hear nothing, say nothing’ approach to prophecies,” he said, adding that politicians must “pay heed, but also dissect and decide what to take on board and what to discard.”
NPP Explains Tamale Central Withdrawal
Former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr. Adomako Kissi, defended his party’s decision, describing it as a calculated and pragmatic move rather than an act of political generosity.
“The numbers for specifically Tamale Central are not favourable, and I think that as a serious country, all the hustle related to a by-election won’t be worth it. From time in history, it has been NDC. The reality is that this seat has consistently been held by the NDC, and it will undoubtedly remain so”
Dr. Adomako Kissi, Former MP for Anyaa Sowutuom
According to him, the party decided to redirect resources to more competitive constituencies, choosing to “pick its battles” in preparation for future contests.
The NPP’s decision was confirmed in a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong after a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Dr. Kissi went further to question the necessity of by-elections altogether, suggesting that Ghana should consider legislative reforms to allow political parties to retain parliamentary seats for the full four-year term when vacancies occur.
He argued that such a policy would help prevent the violence, tensions, and security threats often associated with by-elections, citing past incidents – including the near-fatal attack on a former Minister of State at the Ablekuma North rerun.
“If we want fewer incidents at by-elections, then there should be no by-election. There should be a bill that, once you win the election and circumstances happen, the party should just take over for the four years”
Dr. Adomako Kissi, Former MP for Anyaa Sowutuom
Dr. Kissi emphasised that the NPP’s withdrawal from the Tamale Central by-elections should not be seen as an emotional response to the tragedy but rather a strategic calculation based on electoral realities. “You choose your battles… and the NPP has chosen not to fight this one,” he remarked.
The NPP’s absence from the Tamale Central race has stirred speculation about whether such strategic withdrawals could reshape political competition in Ghana. Mr. Afriyie’s interpretation – that the move is a signal for the NDC to give way in Akwatia – has added a new layer to the debate.
While the opposition party frames its decision as “resource management,” the governing party weighs its options moving forward.
With both Tamale Central and Akwatia now in focus, the coming weeks promise heightened political activity, as each side manoeuvres to protect or expand its parliamentary influence.
