Tamale Central Exit Was a Tactical Move, Not a Political Favor – Adomako Kissi

Former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr. Adomako Kissi, has defended the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) decision not to contest the upcoming Tamale Central by-election, insisting it was a calculated and pragmatic move rather than an act of political generosity.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, August 12, Dr. Kissi stressed that the NPP’s internal assessment revealed unfavourable prospects in the constituency, making it wise for the party to redirect its resources.

He argued that contesting in an area historically dominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would be an unwise use of the party’s time and funds, especially when those resources could be channelled into constituencies with a more competitive chance of victory.

“This is not necessarily about the death. 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. Some places are very strongholds for a particular party, no doubt.

“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. For lack of a better word, you choose your battles, so the NPP has chosen theirs. This is not a favour but a pragmatic decision made, and out of all of this, it is the future that matters,” he said.

His comments follow the NPP’s formal announcement that it will not field a candidate in the Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election, which was triggered by the death of the area’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Muhammed, in the August 6 helicopter crash.

Dr. Murtala Muhammed was among eight individuals who lost their lives when a military helicopter they were travelling in crashed in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region. His death has created a vacancy in the constituency, paving the way for a by-election in line with Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.

In a statement signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party said its decision was taken during a National Steering Committee meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025, at its national headquarters.