The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced the suspension of the printing of presidential ballot papers due to the passing of Madam Akua Donkor, the Presidential Candidate for the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP). Madam Donkor, a prominent and outspoken figure in Ghanaian politics, died on Monday night at the Ridge Hospital in Accra.
In a statement, the EC expressed its condolences, saying, “The Electoral Commission has today received information on the unfortunate passing of the Presidential Candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Madam Akua Donkor. May she rest in peace.”
With Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and the Public Elections Regulations, 2020 (C.I. 127) not specifying procedures in the event of a presidential candidate’s death during the campaign period, the EC referred to Article 50 (4) of the Constitution. This article stipulates that “where at the close of nominations, but before the election, one of the candidates dies, a further period of ten days shall be allowed for nominations.”
Following this guideline, the EC has notified the GFP to nominate a new candidate within ten days. Meanwhile, the Commission has halted the printing of ballot papers, a process that was nearly complete before the announcement.
Madam Donkor was last seen in public two weeks ago at an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting in Accra. At the meeting, she voiced her frustration over recurring derogatory comments about her educational background, which had sparked debate among the public regarding her qualifications to lead. Known for her transparency about her lack of formal classroom education, Donkor stood by her capabilities and resilience despite criticism.
Her sudden passing has shocked many in Ghana, where she was admired for her unconventional approach to politics and commitment to amplifying the voices of ordinary Ghanaians. The GFP and its supporters now face the task of selecting a new candidate to carry forward Donkor’s legacy.
