Acting National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Smith Danquah Buttey, has announced that he will not contest for the substantive National Chairman position, admitting responsibility for the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Speaking on ABC News GH monitored by MyNewsGh.com, Mr. Buttey said his decision is grounded in principle, integrity, and accountability, stressing that leadership must be measured by outcomes.
“I have said it several times that I am not going to contest anymore. I went for this position because I wanted the party to retain power, but we did not,” he stated. “In my opinion, I think I have failed, so why should I go for another election?”
Mr. Buttey rejected any suggestion that his decision was casual or politically strategic, insisting that his role in the party has always been driven by commitment to results rather than personal ambition.
“I am not here to joke. I am here to work for the party. I want the party to win,” he said.
According to him, the failure to achieve the core objective of retaining power makes it necessary for him to step aside and allow new leadership with fresh ideas and strategies to take over.
“If my goal was not attained, I should step aside and allow someone else to come, because maybe my ideas and strategies do not work,” he explained.
Despite his decision not to seek re-election, Mr. Buttey reaffirmed his loyalty to the NPP, pledging continued support in other capacities.
“I am a man of principle and integrity. I will never come back as party chairman,” he said. “But I will support the party with my knowledge, my money, and everything I am supposed to do to help this party come back to power.”
He added that returning to contest the chairmanship would amount to being dishonest with himself, given the outcome of his tenure.
