Godwin Ako Gunn
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared its readiness to contest the upcoming parliamentary by-election in Akwatia on September 2, 2025, dismissing calls from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to step aside.
The appeal for the NDC to withdraw came from NPP National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, who argued that in light of the NDC’s loss of five prominent members in the August 6 helicopter crash, the ruling party should refrain from active politics immediately after the state burial.
The crash claimed the lives of eight officials, including Tamale Central MP, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Muhammed, whose passing prompted the NPP to opt out of the Tamale Central by-election in what it described as an act of respect.
However, the NDC, in a statement signed by its Deputy National Communications Officer, Godwin Ako Gunn, said while it commended the NPP’s decision not to participate in Tamale Central, describing it “the best decision they have taken in recent times”, it saw no reason to stay out of the Akwatia race.
The party argued that the NPP’s move was driven not by respect for the late MP but by a political calculation to avoid possible defeat and court public sympathy ahead of the Akwatia polls.
“This is not the first time a political party has refused to contest in a by-election,” the NDC noted, citing its own decision not to field a candidate in Ejisu following the death of Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah.
The statement also reminded the public that the Akwatia seat had been under legal dispute before the passing of its MP, Ernest Kumi.
Mr. Gunn further cautioned voters against taking the NPP’s public announcements at face value, recalling instances where the opposition party reversed earlier decisions.
“In the Ablekuma North rerun, the NPP declared they were not contesting, but they were the first to hit the ground,” he said.
The NDC also extended condolences to the family of the late Ernest Kumi and to the relatives of the “gallant eight heroes” who perished in the crash.
Mr. Gunn urged party supporters to be measured in their public statements during the period of mourning.
By Ernest Kofi Adu