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The Convention People’s Party has announced its decision not to contest the Abuakwa North by-election slated for March 29. The seat became vacant following the murder of the Member of Parliament for the Eastern regional constituency JB Danquah-Adu.

The CPP said its “decision is strictly informed by our Party's analysis of the situation.” However, it served notice that it will “contest the seat in the general elections in November.” “We continue to mourn with the people of Abuakwa North and the NPP.

It is our prayer that finality would be brought to the unfortunate murder of the late MP by ensuring justice is served,” a statement signed by Kadiri Abdul Rauf Issifu, CPP Director of Communication said. Meanwhile, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has also opted out of the upcoming by-election. According to the NDC, the circumstances surrounding the MP’s “gruesome murder that brought the nation to a standstill” make it impossible for it to contest. “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 it would be appropriate to desist from any act that has the tendency to aggravate the pain that J.B’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 would be insensitive and unsympathetic on the part of the NDC leadership and followers to actively participate in such by-election,” a statement signed by the General Secretary of the ruling party Johnson Asiedu Nketia said. The NPP has elected a tutor at the Akosombo International School Gifty Twum-Ampofo to contest the seat.