NPP National Chair Temporarily Stepped Down Over Health Concerns; Danquah Smith Buttey Leads NEC Meeting
Accra, June 18, 2025 — The First Vice Chairperson of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Danquah Smith Buttey, has taken over as acting chair of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), following a formal request from the family of National Chairman Stephen Ayensu Ntim for him to be temporarily excused from official duties due to health reasons.
The decision came after a letter dated June 16, 2025, from Mr. Ntim’s family to the NPP Council of Elders, citing concerns over his well-being and calling for his immediate exemption from party responsibilities. The letter, signed by relatives including Kingsley Oteng (Family Head) and Adelaide Ntim (MP), pointed to “cognitive dissonance and mental incapacitation” as the basis for their request.
“Steve is not well at the moment,” the family stated, urging the party to grant him peace and time to focus on necessary medical treatment.
The family acknowledged Mr. Ntim’s decades-long dedication to the NPP—highlighting his journey from First National Deputy Chairman to his current role—and emphasized that continuing to burden him with party duties could be detrimental to both his health and rights.
“Common sense dictates that Steve… be temporarily excused, not only from the rigours of active politics but from intra-party activities,” the letter added.
Buttey Steps In Amid Key Deliberations
In response, Mr. Buttey assumed the chair of a high-stakes NEC meeting held on June 17 at the Alisa Hotel, Accra. Citi News has independently confirmed his role as acting chair for the session.
The meeting’s agenda includes:
- Reviewing the Constitutional Review Committee’s work
- Discussing internal party reforms
- Planning for the 2024 general elections
Mr. Ntim’s temporary absence comes at a sensitive time as the NPP seeks to restructure internal governance and sharpen its electoral strategy ahead of the next national polls.
No Official Party Statement Yet
As of publication, the NPP has not issued an official statement on Mr. Ntim’s health status or the letter from his family. However, party insiders say discussions are ongoing within the Council of Elders to determine a longer-term approach should Mr. Ntim require extended medical leave.
The NEC meeting chaired by Mr. Buttey marks a critical step in maintaining the party’s operational continuity while addressing health-related leadership concerns with compassion and due diligence.
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