“I Won’t Contest Again, We Failed NPP and Ghanaians” – Chairman Butey Admits

Acting National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Danquah Smith Butey, has announced that he will not seek re-election to any national executive position within the party, admitting that the party’s leadership failed to meet expectations in the 2024 general elections.

Mr. Butey made the disclosure during an interview with Akua-Piesie Asare Bediako on Bethel TV/Radio in the United Kingdom, where he candidly reflected on the party’s performance and accepted responsibility for the outcome.

“We did not deliver the expected results for the party and for Ghanaians,” he admitted. “Leadership must be measured by results, and in this case, we fell short of what was required.”

According to him, occupying high-ranking political positions is not the only way individuals can contribute meaningfully to party growth and national development. He emphasised that commitment, competence, and innovative thinking are more important than titles.

“You do not necessarily need to hold a top political position before you can contribute to the growth and success of a political party or national development,” Mr. Butey stated.

He further stressed that individuals who aspire to leadership roles within political parties must be confident in their ability to secure electoral victory and effectively guide their parties.

“There is no need to occupy leadership positions if you do not have the capacity and confidence to lead the party to victory,” he said. “Leadership must come with vision, strategy, and the ability to deliver results.”

Mr. Butey also criticised the party’s approach to selecting its leaders ahead of the 2024 elections, describing it as ineffective and incapable of producing the desired outcome. He called for a shift in strategy and urged the party to embrace new ideas and fresh leadership.

“The strategy we adopted in selecting our leaders did not produce the outcome we expected. The party needs new individuals with innovative ideas and fresh strategies to rebuild and strengthen our structures,” he noted.

Reaffirming his decision, Mr. Butey stated that he would not contest the National Chairmanship again and suggested that it may be necessary for all current national officers to step aside to allow for a new leadership direction.

“I will not seek re-election as National Chairman. I believe it will be appropriate for all current national officers to step aside and allow new leadership to reposition the party for future electoral contests,” he declared.

His comments come at a time when the NPP is engaged in ongoing internal discussions on reforms and restructuring following its performance in the 2024 general elections, as party members assess strategies to regain political strength ahead of future polls.