Three women have submitted nomination forms to participate in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries for the Tamale Central constituency, following the passing of the area’s Member of Parliament.
They will encounter competition from ten male candidates who have also registered to contest.
The female candidates are Mariama Naamaa Salifu, Muliaka Sualisu, and Hajia Shamima Yakubu.
Mariama, a diplomat currently stationed at the Ghanaian Embassy in Niamey, Niger, is regarded as a formidable contender.
She possesses a background in diaspora advocacy, women’s empowerment, and policy implementation. Her campaign emphasizes job creation, entrepreneurship, and vocational training for the youth.
Additionally, she has committed to advancing women’s empowerment by enhancing access to education, healthcare, and financial inclusion.
Regarding education, Mariama has vowed to fortify schools, offer scholarships, and broaden ICT access, while also dedicating herself to championing community development projects such as roads, sanitation, and energy.
Moreover, she plans to utilize international networks to bolster local development initiatives through diaspora engagement.
Hajia Shamima Yakubu is currently serving as the NDC’s Regional Treasurer, while limited information is available about the third female candidate, Muliaka Sualisu, as those who collected her forms chose not to disclose details.
The male candidates include Abdul Hanan Gundadoo, former Mayor of Tamale; Abdul Rauf Halid, National Vice Chairman of the NDC; Dr. Seidu Mohammed, a lecturer at the University for Development Studies; Dr. Rahman A. Rashid; Dr. Aliu Abdul Hamid, a civil engineer; Prof. Razak Abubakari, a senior lecturer at Tamale Technical University; Alhaji Alhassan Nbalba, former chairman of the NDC UK Chapter; Prof. Alidu Seidu, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana; and Alhassan Osman Gomda, an entrepreneur.
The NDC opened nominations on August 22, 2025, and will close them on August 24. Submission of completed forms is scheduled for August 28, followed by vetting, balloting, and appeals on August 31. The by-election is set for September 6, 2025.
