BY Issah Olegor
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has officially set Tuesday, September 30, 2025, as the date for the Tamale Central parliamentary by-election, following the passing of sitting Member of Parliament, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
In a statement signed by EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, the Commission explained that the by-election is in line with Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution, which requires a by-election within 60 days once a parliamentary seat becomes vacant.
Nomination Process and Filing Fees
The EC announced that nominations will be opened from Monday, September 8 to Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Tamale Metropolitan Office of the Commission. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Commission’s website starting August 19, 2025.
According to the guidelines, prospective candidates may submit their completed forms in person or through their proposer or seconder during working hours.
Each form must be endorsed by two registered voters as proposer and seconder and further supported by 18 other registered voters from the constituency. Candidates must also provide two recent bust-sized photographs against a red background and submit completed forms in quadruplicate.
The filing fee has been pegged at GHC10,000.
However, in line with the Commission’s policy of encouraging inclusivity, female aspirants and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will pay a reduced fee of GHC7,500.
Political Dynamics and Possible Contenders
The death of Murtala, who had represented the constituency since 2020, has left a vacuum that is already generating intense political discussion in Tamale.
Several names have emerged among the National Democratic Congress as possible contenders for the vacant seat.
Among those being mentioned are:
Hanan Gundado, former Mayor of Tamale
Dr. Nashiru Issaahaku, former Governor of the Bank of Ghana
Dr. Seidu Fitter, lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS)
Dr. Abdulai Salifu, former CEO of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Dr. Mahama Shaibu, lecturer at UDS
Dr. Sule, Principal of Tamale College of Education (TCE)
Dr. Sa-ad, an official at the Ministry of Finance
The widow of the late MP, whose name is also being floated among grassroots supporters.
Political Stakes in Tamale Central
Tamale Central has historically been a stronghold of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), with Murtala himself being one of the party’s most outspoken MPs.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP), on the other hand, says it wont contest in the upcoming by-election due to the circumstances surrounding the death of the sitting MP.
