National Democratic Congress Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia has welcomed the opposition New Patriotic Party’s decision not to contest the Tamale Central by-election following the death of MP Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed.
Speaking at Mohammed’s final funeral rites in Tamale on Tuesday, Nketia called for unity and respect during the mourning period.
“We thank our NPP brothers for not contesting Tamale Central,” he stated, urging NDC members to avoid rushing candidate selection. “Let’s stay calm and not disrupt our fallen heroes’ funeral rites.” Nketia confirmed the party would later meet to choose Mohammed’s replacement.
The late MP died in the August 6 helicopter crash alongside seven others, including National Security Deputy Director Alhaji Lumina Muniru. Mohammed was buried in Accra on August 10. A government delegation including Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak and Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu attended Tuesday’s ceremony, reflecting the incident’s national impact.
Nketia’s remarks signal a temporary suspension of political rivalry as Ghana honors the crash victims.