If the NDC had shame, they would have also withdrawn from Akwatia – Afenyo-Markin
Leader of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has taken a swipe at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for failing to withdraw from the upcoming by-election in Akwatia, despite the NPP’s withdrawal from Tamale Central.
In his opinion, such a move could only come from a shameless political party.
Addressing mourners at the funeral of the late Akwatia MP, Ernest Kumi on Friday, Afenyo-Markin stated that the NPP decided to pull out of the September 30 Tamale Central by-election as a commiserating gesture to the country and the NDC, following the death of the sitting NDC MP Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed in the August 6 Military helicopter crash.
He indicated however that, although the NDC was not under obligation to follow suit regarding the Akwatia by-election, a dignified political party would have withdrawn from the contest to protect the peace and progress of the country.
“What is happening in parliament is painful, the NDC is a shameless party, they would have withdrawn from Akwatia after we the NPP decided not to contest the Tamale Central seat following the death of their MP and the tragedy the nation was dealing with,” he jabbed.
The Minority Leader further entreated constituents and sympathizers to muster courage and face any intimidation from the NDC on the election day, urging them to vote in honor of their late Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi.
Background
The late Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, passed away on July 7, 2025, from heart failure, consequently rendering the NPP parliamentary seat of his constituency vacant.
The Electoral Commission in effect, scheduled a by-election for the constituency on September 2, 2025, however, as preparations towards this contest got underway, the nation recorded another tragedy after a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in Adansi on August 6, claiming the lives of 8 individuals including the sitting NDC MP for Tamale Central, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Following this tragedy, the NPP later announced its decision not to contest for the Tamale Central seat, describing the prospect of a competitive election after the fatal crash as “inhumane and unconscionable,” and emphasized its desire to avoid the “tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country.”
Although there were calls for the NDC to also consider withdrawing from the Akwatia by-election, NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua previously clarified that no one within the NPP expects the NDC to withdraw from the contest.
“People are suggesting that the NDC follow what we have done and withdraw from Akwatia, nothing is stopping them, if they want to do the same or contest, it is their decision,” he said.
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