Former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi, Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, has shed light on his party’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming Tamale Central by-election, stressing that it was not solely out of sympathy for the late Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed but due to political realities on the ground.
Dr. Kissi first expressed his condolences, describing the death of the former MP as “painful” and a reminder of how much impact public servants have on entire communities.
“You’d be surprised — the dependents on these people are not just wife and kids or mother and father, but entire villages,” he said on Channel One TV.
“Some will cry at the funeral not only because of the death, but because of how much they depended on them for day-to-day needs.”
The lawmaker also reflected on Ghana’s approach to lives lost, urging a cultural shift: “We gloss over the numbers until it hits home. Every life lost is unfortunate. Our culture needs to change.”
On the political decision, Dr. Kissi made it clear that the party’s withdrawal was not merely a gesture of respect.
“Nobody should opt out of elections necessarily because of death,” he stated, noting that Tamale Central has consistently been an NDC stronghold.
He further suggested electoral reforms to avoid the tensions often associated with 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 proposed.
Dr. Kissi also pointed to what he described as “unhealthy and unprofessional” conduct from both major parties during by-elections, though he singled out recent incidents involving the NDC.
