Stephen Ayesu Ntim, the National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has signalled the end of a chapter in his political career.
In a decisive move, he informed top party officials that he will not contest for a second term when his current tenure concludes.
In a letter dated June 16, 2025, his family requested a temporary leave of absence, citing serious issues such as cognitive dissonance and mental incapacitation.
The family, including Kingsley Oteng and MP Adelaide Ntim, emphasized the need for Mr. Ntim to abstain from political activities, especially an upcoming leadership meeting he was scheduled to chair today, June 17, 2025.
They expressed that continued participation would jeopardize his health.
The letter highlighted his long-standing commitment to the NPP while urging the leadership to prioritize his medical needs.
First elected as National Chairman in July 2022 after years of internal contests, Ntim has been a steady presence in NPP leadership . However, his tenure has also been marked by challenges.
He stepped aside briefly from the party’s post-election “Thank You Tour” in early May, citing “pressing matters”, amid growing speculation about his health and internal tensions within the NPP ranks.
That tour exposed deeper fractures within the party—particularly following a stabbing incident in Kumasi and a public clash between senior figures—which further intensified scrutiny of his capacity to steer the organisation.
As Ntim’s tenure approaches its end, the NPP faces a period of transition. With other key executives reportedly also choosing not to run again, the party is at a crossroads, balancing the need to preserve institutional memory with the desire for renewal ahead of the 2028 elections.
His departure opens the door for new leadership under figures like General Secretary Justin Frimpong‑Kodua and Vice Chairman Danquah Smith Buttey, who will likely spearhead internal strategy and rebuild cohesion.
Ntim’s journey to the chairmanship spanned over two decades. As a long-standing party member, he endured four unsuccessful bids before finally being elected at age 65.
His tenure, however, was a mixed one. Though he prioritised party unity, the NPP suffered an unprecedented electoral loss—losing both the presidency and its parliamentary majority in December 2024.
