The Zongo Chief of Mpasatia in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region, Chief Abdullah Mohammed, has appealed to Ghana’s two major political parties — the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) — to demonstrate goodwill by stepping aside in two upcoming parliamentary by-elections.
He proposes that the NDC refrain from contesting the Akwatia seat while the NPP should do the same in Tamale Central, a move he believes would ease political tension, save resources, and honour the memory of the deceased whose passing triggered the polls.
“It will help save money, give the Electoral Commission time to rest, and most importantly, show respect to the memories of our beloved ones who have passed,” Chief Abdullah Mohammed said when addressing community leaders and youth groups at Mpasatia over the weekend.
He further called on the National Peace Council and the Christian Council of Ghana to play an active role in ensuring the two political parties heed the appeal, stressing that their intervention could foster unity and help prevent unnecessary political hostilities.
The Tamale Central by-election is to replace the late Member of Parliament, Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, who died alongside seven others in a helicopter crash on August 6. The Akwatia by-election follows the resignation of its MP, Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi. Both constituencies are politically strategic and have a history of keenly contested elections.
Chief Abdullah Mohammed emphasised that his appeal goes beyond politics. “These by-elections are the result of painful losses. We must show compassion and unity in the face of grief,” he said, urging the Christian Council of Ghana and the National Peace Council to step in and mediate the proposal with the two parties.
According to him, stepping aside in each other’s strongholds could reduce electoral disputes, campaign clashes, and divisive rhetoric, while setting a precedent for political cooperation in Ghana.
Chief Abdullah Mohammed extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the President, and the entire nation. “Ghana belongs to all of us. We must protect our democracy not just through laws, but through acts of goodwill,” he concluded.
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