Dr. Murtala, who doubled as the Minister for Environment, Technology, and Innovation, was one of the victims who perished in the helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6.

His passing has left the Tamale Central seat vacant, triggering constitutional procedures for a by-election under Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.

Although the Electoral Commission is yet to announce the modalities for the by-election, the NPP has explained that the decision was reached during a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025.

The statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong noted that the resolution, grounded in Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP Constitution, was shaped by the circumstances surrounding the vacancy and a desire to avoid heightening political tensions during a period of national mourning.

“It would be inhumane and insensitive to subject the country to a highly competitive process to find a replacement for the late MP,” the statement said, adding that by-elections in Ghana often carry tension and acrimony that should be avoided at this time.

The NPP further stated that the best way to honour Dr. Murtala and the other crash victims is not only to step up efforts against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey but also to ensure a calm, respectful, and non-contentious transition in filling the seat.

“When the Electoral Commission opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election, the NPP will, in the national interest, refrain from participating,” the statement concluded.

Source: Adomonline.com

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Below is the full statement:

The two were among eight people who lost their lives in the August 6 Ghana Air Force helicopter crash in the Adansi-Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region — a national tragedy that has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the country.

Today’s rites are expected to draw high-profile dignitaries, including President John Mahama, the Vice President, the Speaker of Parliament, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the National Chief Imam.

Following the service, the remains of the two Muslim leaders will be laid to rest at the Military Cemetery in Accra.

While their burial takes place today, an inter-denominational state funeral for all eight crash victims will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square.

Source: AdomOnline

Madam Safo, who doubles as the Minister for Gender, has recently been reported to have consistently absented herself from Parliament.

However, the Majority group has opined that her frequent absence in the Chamber is affecting government business, hence the call for her removal.

Mr Muhammed, while speaking on JoyNews’ AM show, noted that there are necessary procedures to be followed before her seat can be declared vacant.

“If the NPP sacks her, the seat will not be declared vacant. Someone will have to petition the Speaker, the Speaker will refer to the Privileges Committee, if the Privileges Committee takes a decision, they will take it to the plenary. And 2/3 of the full House must vote,” he revealed.

He said that the agenda of the Majority to have madam Safo removed will not materialise as the Minority will not be in support when voted upon.

“That final decision will be done by the full House. And per the standing orders and the constitution, you need 2/3rd to support that motion that the seat be declared vacant. We will not support it,” he stressed.

He claimed that the presence of madam Safo will not guarantee the passage of the controversial e-levy.

“Even if Adwoa Safo were in Ghana, they still cannot have e-levy passed. God is speaking to them in a language they are failing to listen,” he said.

The MP for Madina Constituency was nearly arrested during a demonstration against bad roads in his constituency.

However, speaking for the Minority side in Parliament, Tamale Central MP, Murtala Muhammed, said the police don’t have the capacity to determine who erred on the side of the law.

He said the only institution that has the capacity and expertise to determine whether someone has erred or not is the court.

“If you say he should be held responsible and liable, you are concluding that he committed a crime,’’ he revealed in an interview with Joy News, Wednesday.

The Minority cautioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to respect the law which provides for immunity from service of process and arrest.

“What we are asking from the IGP is to respect Article 117, Article 188, and Article 122,” he said.

According to him, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs are being hypocritical.

He said he believes there is a design by the NPP government to arrest the Madina MP and former President John Dramani Mahama.

“The Executive is manipulating not only just the Caucus even the Police. There is a design by this government to arrest Sosu and extend it to President Mahama,” he said.

“They will meet stiff resistance they have never anticipated,’’ he cautioned.

He further advised the Majority in Parliament to demonstrate some level of independence as they are part of the Legislative Arm of government.

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