Accra, Ghana — The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) has officially announced that a by-election for the Tamale Central Constituency will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The election follows the tragic death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Murtala Muhammed Ibrahim, who passed away in the August 6 military helicopter crash.
Constitutional Mandate and Timeline
Under Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution, a by-election must be held within three months in the event of a parliamentary vacancy. EC Chairperson Jean Mensa affirmed that the September 30 date fulfills this constitutional requirement. Candidate nomination forms will be available from August 19 to September 10, 2025, with submissions to be made in-person at the EC’s Tamale Metropolitan Office between September 8 and 10, during two daily sessions (9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 2 p.m.–5 p.m.).
Special Consideration for Female and PWD Candidates
The EC has set a filing fee of GH₵10,000 for prospective candidates. However, to encourage broader representation, the commission has introduced a compassionate policy: female candidates and persons with disabilities will pay a reduced fee of GH₵7,500.
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Political Landscape: NPP Withdraws, NDC Consolidates
In a significant development, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opted not to field a candidate for this by-election. This opens the door for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to potentially secure the seat uncontested—though internal party dynamics still need clarity.
Meanwhile, Halid Abdul Rauf, the NDC’s National Vice Chairman, has withdrawn from the race, narrowing the pool of contenders and accelerating the nomination process within the NDC.
Background: MP Murtala Muhammed’s Legacy
The seat became vacant following the untimely death of Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, a respected Member of Parliament and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation. He died in a military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, alongside key government figures.
What’s at Stake
- Regional Power Balance: Tamale Central is a key seat in the Northern Region and a long-standing NDC stronghold.
- Legitimacy Concerns: With NPP not fielding a candidate, questions about competitive democracy are emerging.
- Momentum Heading into 2028: Results from this by-election may influence political strategies and alliances ahead of Ghana’s 2028 general elections.
