The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is holding primary election in the Tamale Central Constituency to elect a replacement for the late Member of Parliament for the area.
The primary has become necessary following the demise of Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed in the August 6 helicopter crash that killed him and seven others.
To ensure a smooth election, the party outlined guidelines for the Saturday, September 6 poll.
The contestants are:
1. Prof. Alidu Seidu Mahama
2. Mariama Naana Salifu
3. Ing. Aliu Abdul Hamid
4. Prof.Abdul Razak Abubakari
5. Shamima Yakubu
6. Dr. Seidu Fiter Mohammed
7. Dr. Abdul Rahaman Rashid
8. Mulaika Salisu
9. Alhassan Osman Gomda (Naa Simani)
10. Alhassan Mbalba
11. Sadat Haruna
12. Abdul Hannan Gundado
According to a notice signed by the Northern Regional Directorate of Elections and IT, Dr. Arnold Mashud Abukari voting will begin at 9 a.m. and close at 2 p.m.
Four ballot boxes have been designated for the process, each assigned to a specific electoral area. Delegates will be given QR-code-enabled tags containing their details, and are also required to present an additional form of identification, such as a voter ID, Ghana Card, or party membership card.
The notice added that about 250 joint security officers will be deployed. Accredited observers will only be allowed at the supporters’ stands of the Tamale stadium and cannot access the inner perimeter without approval.
Candidates are permitted to present four agents per ballot box, though only one will sign the collated sheet. Each candidate will also be granted access to the inner perimeter with two accredited representatives.
The NDC further emphasised that delegates will not be allowed to enter the voting booth with mobile phones, while candidates are barred from transporting delegates to the centre or engaging in campaigning on the voting grounds.
As part of the arrangements, polling stations have been designated to serve specific electoral areas. Polling Station 1 will cater for regional and constituency executives as well as branches from Agric Mohiyebihi, Gumbihini North, and Aboaboo Ward. Polling Station 2 covers Moshi-Zongo, Tishigu, Salamba, ADB, Warizihi, and Gumbihini South.
Polling Station 3 will serve Dakpemfong, Buglanfong, Sabonjida, and Victory Wards. Polling Station 4 will accommodate delegates from Changli, Choggu West, Dohinaayili, Zogbeli, and Lamacara.
Dr. Abukari assured delegates and stakeholders that the measures are aimed at ensuring a smooth, transparent, and credible electoral process in line with the party’s commitment to fairness and internal democracy.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (EC) has announced Tuesday, September 30, 2025, as the date for the parliamentary by-election in the Tamale Central Constituency.
A statement signed and issued by the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, said the by-election was in conformity with Article 112 (5) of the 1992 Constitution.
It said nominations would be received from Monday, September 8, to Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Tamale Metropolitan office of the EC, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.
Procedures
It said prospective candidates are required to download nomination forms from the EC’s website www.ec.gov.gh from August 19 to September 10, 2025, and submit them in quadruplicate.
Each nomination must be endorsed by a proposer, a seconder, and supported by 18 other registered voters from the constituency.
The statement said candidates were to provide two postcard-sized photographs with a red background, showing their full face and ears.
It added that the filing fee for the election is GH¢10,000 per candidate.
However, the filing fee for female candidates and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) is GH¢7,500.
“All completed nomination forms are expected to be delivered in quadruplicate. We urge the public to be guided accordingly,” the statement read.
