Tamale, Ghana – The impending by-election in the Tamale Central constituency has triggered intense discussions within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and among constituents, as the search begins for a successor to the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, whose sudden passing in a plane crash left a significant void in Ghana’s political landscape.
Dr. Murtala, widely admired for his honesty, patriotism, and principled approach to politics, is remembered as a lawmaker who set exceptional standards of morality and service.
His contributions as a parliamentarian were described by many as a “torchbearer” for not only Tamale Central but also Ghana as a whole.
In a statement, Shareef Suleiman Nimbang, a member of the NDC’s Northern Regional Communications Team, described the late legislator as a rare breed of politician whose legacy was built on “plain honesty, political objectivism and a strict abhorrence for corruption of any shape and form.”
He further argued that Dr. Murtala’s presence in the NDC acted as a “morality shield” against public perceptions of corruption in politics.
With his passing, the catastrophe for Tamale Central worsens, for his kind of politician is rare in this era of African politics where hero-worshiping and sycophancy have become the arts young politicians are striving to master in their pursuit of political prominence, Nimbang noted.
Already, names of prominent NDC figures are emerging as potential successors. Dr. Seidu Fitter, Communications Officer of the NDC in the Tolon constituency, has formally declared his intention to contest.
Other personalities rumored to be considering the race include Lawyer Abdul Rahaman Hanan Gundadow, a former Mayor of Tamale; Lawyer Abdul-Ra-uf, a former Northern Regional Secretary of the NDC; Princess Naama Salifu Lagfu, a diplomat and Executive Secretary of the Water Resources Commission; and Professor Alidu Seidu.
Nimbang urged delegates of the NDC in Tamale Central to weigh the moral qualities and political backgrounds of aspirants against the benchmarks set by the late lawmaker.
He emphasized that the key to Dr. Murtala’s towering reputation and political success was his “honesty and selfless patriotism,” qualities he argued must guide the choice of his successor.
The Electoral Commission has already officially announced timelines and processes for the by-election in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the people of Tamale Central watch closely, hoping that whoever emerges will carry forward the legacy of integrity and service left behind by their late representative.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
