GFP Withdraws from 2024 Elections over Akua Donkor's Death

The Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) has announced its decision to withdraw from the 7 December 2024 general elections to honour the memory of its late founder and presidential candidate, Akua Donkor.

The statement (shown below), signed by National Organizer Richard Botchway, emphasized that the decision, though challenging, was intended as a tribute to Donkor’s life and legacy.

"We are by this letter formally informing the Commission of our intention not to participate in the elections,” the statement addressed to the Electoral Commission read. “This decision, irrespective of how difficult it may be, has been reached to posthumously honour the commitment and sacrifices by our late Founder and Presidential Candidate as the only person to send her candidature to grave."

SEE THE LETTER BELOW.

Following Donkor’s death, the Electoral Commission of Ghana has suspended the printing of presidential ballot papers for the 2024 election. In a statement released on 29 October, the Commission expressed condolences to Donkor’s family and the GFP, acknowledging her commitment to political service. The Commission cited Article 50 (4) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates a ten-day period for new nominations if a candidate passes away between the close of nominations and the election date.

After Akua Donkor died, GFP had earlier chosen Akua Donkor’s running mate, Roman Fada, as the party's flagbearer. 

Akua Donkor’s death came as a shock to many who were supporters of the politician. She left a legacy of a strong-willed woman who defied odds to attempt to achieve the impossible.