Tamale Central pullout is a “nationalistic” decision – Smart Sarpong

Political analyst Smart Sarpong has described the New Patriotic Party’s withdrawal from the forthcoming Tamale Central by-election as a commendable nationalistic gesture rather than a political manoeuvre.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Tuesday (12 August), the Director of Research and Innovation at Kumasi Technical University said the party’s reasoning aligns with similar precedents in Ghana’s politics, where political parties have withdrawn from contests in the spirit of respect for the deceased.

“This is not the first time a party has pulled out of a by-election for such reasons. About a year ago, the NDC did not participate in the Meduma by-election out of respect for the departed. So, extending the argument that the NPP is pulling out because they fear losing does not hold,” he noted.

Prof Sarpong also pointed out that not all constituencies are battlegrounds. “Some seats are safe for one party or the other, and candidates from opposing parties often run knowing they will not win. Participation is sometimes for the sake of democracy, not necessarily to secure victory,” he explained.

He said the decision will have little to no impact on the NPP’s standing in the Northern Region ahead of the 2028 general elections. “If this had been a vacancy caused by resignation, appointment, or misconduct, the NPP would have contested. But this is a sober moment for the entire nation, and their decision reflects that,” he said. – AsaaseRadio