NPP Chairman Stephen Ntim won’t seek re-election amid health struggles; Wave of executives to step down
Ntim’s tenure as chairman, secured in 2022 after five failed bids since 2005, was initially hailed as a victory for persistence.
Asaase News can confirm that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman, Stephen Ayesu Ntim, has privately informed senior party executives and close associates that he will not seek re-election at the end of his current term.
This aligns with a broader wave of NPP national executives reportedly preparing to exit their roles, signaling a potential overhaul of the party’s leadership ahead of the 2028 elections. Ntim’s decision follows months of speculation about his capacity to lead due to progressive dementia.
Ntim’s withdrawal from public engagements, including Dr Bawumia’s recent nationwide “Thank You Tour”, had fueled rumours of his imminent resignation.
However, insiders clarify that while the 65-year-old chairman intends to serve out his term, which ends in 2026, he has ruled out contesting for another mandate. Sources close to his inner circle cite his declining health as a central factor in the decision.
For a party chairman, this could mean difficulty coordinating campaigns, mediating internal disputes, or enforcing discipline,” explained a geriatric specialist at the University of Ghana Medical School.
Legacy of perseverance
Ntim’s tenure as chairman, secured in 2022 after five failed bids since 2005, was initially hailed as a victory for persistence.
However, his leadership coincided with the NPP’s worst electoral performance in three decades during the 2023 general elections, marked by significant parliamentary losses and dwindling public confidence.
Critics have linked the defeat to perceived leadership lapses, though allies argue external factors like economic hardship played a larger role.
Broader NPP executive exodus
Ntim is among a majority of the NPP’s national executives who have signaled reluctance to seek re-election, according to party insiders. This exodus—which includes key figures in the organisational wings—has sparked debates about succession planning and renewal.
However, the relatively young General Secretary, Justin Koduah, is expected to seek re-election and lead the charge for the opposition party’s anticipated revival.
Some members view the collective exit as an opportunity to “rejuvenate” the party, while others fear a loss of institutional memory ahead of a pivotal election cycle.
“Chairman Ntim’s decision, if true, is both dignified and strategic. It allows the party to transition smoothly while honouring his contributions,” said a senior NPP official, who requested anonymity.
Another faction, however, insists the party must address systemic issues beyond personnel changes, including factionalism and policy coherence.
Party leadership urges unity
Though the NPP has not formally announced Ntim’s plans, 1st Vice Chairman Danquah Smith Buttey has increasingly assumed greater responsibilities alongside the General Secretary.
Ntim’s impending departure underscores the human toll of political leadership in high-stakes environments. His journey—from dogged aspirant to a chairman battling health and political headwinds—has drawn sympathy even from rivals.
“We must balance accountability with compassion. His health challenges remind us that leaders are not immune to vulnerability,” said a senior figure in the ruling NDC.
What’s next for the NPP?
As the NPP grapples with internal renewal, pressure mounts to present a revitalized front ahead of 2028. For Stephen Ntim, closing his chapter as chairman may solidify his legacy as a determined yet embattled figure, while the party’s ability to navigate this transition could define its fortunes in Ghana’s increasingly competitive democracy.
Reported by Asaase News with contributions from NPP insiders, NDC leading member and medical experts.
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