Asiedu Nketiah Jokes About NPP Withdrawal From Tamale Central By-Election: “Akwatia Diɛ, Yɛ Ba”

• NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, joked about the NPP's withdrawal from the Tamale Central by-election
• The Tamale Central by-election is one of two by-elections expected over the next few months because of dead MPs
• Asiedu Nketiah spoke about the prospect of the NDC withdrawing from the Akwatia by-election on September 2

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) will be on the ballot paper for the Akwatia by-election, ignoring appeals to drop out by some New Patriotic Party (NPP) members.

During a meeting on August 13, the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, joked about the NPP's withdrawal from the Tamale Central by-election following the death of MP Murtala Mohammed.

Nketiah said his party would not be returning the favour in the Akwatia by-election on September 2, also brought upon by the death of its MP, Ernest Kumi.

The meeting was part of a solidarity visit from the NPP following the helicopter crash that occurred on August 6, 2025, claiming the lives of eight individuals, including Mohammed.

Read also

Ghana government formally requests help from the USA to probe Obuasi helicopter crash

Why NPP is abstaining from Tamale Central by-election

In a statement, the NPP said it was taking into account the circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat had become vacant.

It also said it did not want to deepen political divisions at a time of national mourning following the helicopter crash.

The helicopter the officials were travelling in crashed into a dense forest as it was flying from Accra to Obuasi for the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme launch.

Aside from Mohammed, the other civilians who died in the crash were former Obuasi East parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru and National Democratic Congress Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, while the army personnel who died in the crash were Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala and Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu.

The opposition party also believes the most fitting way to honour Mohammed is to intensify the fight against illegal mining and ensure a peaceful and uncontentious process to replace the late MP.

Read also

Omane Boamah's children read tribute with teary voice: "You were more than a father"

Because of this step back, people like the National Organiser of the NPP, Henry Nana Boakye, wanted the NDC to reciprocate this gesture.

About the Akwatia by-election

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission announced it would hold the Akwatia by-election on September 2, 2025.

Bernard Bediako Baidoo, a lawyer and constituency secretary of the NDC, would represent his party in the race after winning a primary.

He is squaring up against Solomon Kwame Asumadu of the NPP, who is looking to keep the seat blue.

The National Council of the NPP, in consultation with the party's executives in Akwatia, endorsed Asumadu as its parliamentary candidate without a primary process.

Some NDC supporters vowed to vote against Bediako in the Tamale by-election.

In a trending video circulating on social media, the party backers registered their displeasure over the process and outcome of the parliamentary primary.

Franklin Cudjoe backs NPP withdrawal

Read also

Obuasi East NDC Chairman breaks down in tears at night vigil for Samuel Aboagye and helicopter crash victims

YEN.com.gh reported that IMANI Africa President Franklin Cudjoe backed the NPP's move to step aside from the Tamale Central by-election.

Cudjoe has also called on the NDC to withdraw from the Akwatia by-election as a show of good faith.

Source: YEN.com.gh