The National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Stephen Ayesu Ntim, has officially stepped down from his role due to pressing health issues, ending a political journey that spanned over two decades.

A letter dated June 16, 2025, and signed by his family—led by Kingsley Oteng and MP Adelaide Ntim—formally requested a leave of absence on his behalf, citing “cognitive dissonance and mental incapacitation.”

The family emphasised that his continued engagement in party activities, particularly an upcoming leadership meeting scheduled for June 17, could further endanger his health.

The letter underscored Mr. Ntim’s unwavering loyalty to the NPP and appealed to the party’s leadership to place his well-being above all else at this critical moment.

Stephen Ntim, who finally ascended to the chairmanship of the NPP in 2022 after four failed attempts, had long been a towering figure in the party.

He previously contested for the position in 2005, 2010, 2014, and 2018—losing to Mac Manu, Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Paul Afoko, and Freddie Blay, respectively.

His perseverance paid off on his fifth attempt when he won the chairmanship with a commanding 4,014 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, by a margin of over 3,000 votes.

Upon assuming office, Mr. Ntim pledged to lead the party to victory in the 2024 general elections.

However, under his stewardship, the NPP experienced its worst electoral setback in history, losing both the presidency and its parliamentary majority.

In response, the party instituted a 12-member committee to investigate the causes of the defeat.

Despite these challenges, Mr. Ntim remained a central figure within the party, often praised for his resilience and commitment.

With his temporary departure, First Vice Chairman Danquah Smith Buttey will step in as Acting National Chairman, under the NPP’s constitution.