Former NPP lawmaker Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi has clarified his party’s decision to withdraw from the Tamale Central by-election, stating it stemmed from clear political realities rather than solely sympathy for the late MP Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Speaking on Channel One TV, Dr. Kissi, the former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, first expressed deep condolences, calling the death “painful” and highlighting the profound reliance communities place on their representatives.
“You’d be surprised — the dependents on these people are not just wife and kids or mother and father, but entire villages,” Dr. Kissi observed. He noted that some mourners grieve not only the loss of the person, but also the vital support they provided for daily needs.
This led him to reflect on Ghana’s broader attitude towards loss, urging a cultural shift: “We gloss over the numbers until it hits home. Every life lost is unfortunate. Our culture needs to change.”
Addressing the withdrawal directly, Dr. Kissi stated unequivocally, “Nobody should opt out of elections necessarily because of death.”
He pointed to the consistent electoral dominance of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Tamale Central as the decisive factor. Dr. Kissi also proposed significant electoral reforms to reduce the tensions often seen in by-elections.
“When a seat is won for four years, if there’s a loss, the party should appoint or select someone to complete the term.
From a security standpoint, it might be the way to go in the future,” he suggested. He further criticized the conduct of both major parties during by-elections, describing it as “unhealthy and unprofessional,” while specifically referencing recent incidents involving the NDC.
