The National Democratic Congress (NDC) says it will be “insensitive” and “unsympathetic” if it contests the March 29 by-election in the Abuakwa North Constituency.
The by-election was instanced by the murder of Member of Parliament Joseph Boakye Danquah-Adu on Tuesday, February 9 at his East Legon residence.
The deceased MP’s party, New Patriotic Party (NPP), on Tuesday, March 1 elected Gifty Twum to contest the by-election.
But a statement signed by NDC’s General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia says the decision not to contest the polls was taken by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
“The NDC is of the opinion that the scar of grief and sorrow emanating from such barbaric act would take a longer time to heal, and would be appropriate to desist from any act that has the tendency to aggravate the pain that JB’s family has been subjected to.
“We wish to indicate that we share in the grief and trauma the late Member of Parliament’s family, constituents and indeed the nation are going through. Therefore, it will be insensitive and unsympathetic on the part of the NDC leadership and followers to actively participate in such by-election.”
The party acknowledged the dissatisfaction such a decision will bring to its supporters but it charged them to channel efforts in winning the elections proper later in the year.
By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|tv3network.com|Ghana
Twitter: @kwame_amoh