Ghana Presidential Candidate Akua Donkor Dies A Month Before Elections

Confidence UbaniOctober 30, 20241 Mins read575

Akua Donkor, the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) presidential candidate for the December 7 elections, has passed away at 83. The Electoral Commission of Ghana officially announced her death on Tuesday night. According to reports, Donkor died around 10 p.m. on Monday at a hospital in Accra.

Akua is the founder of GFP and one of only two female candidates in the election alongside Nana Frimpomaa of the Convention People’s Party (CPP). In a phone interview with GhanaWeb, Akwasi Baffour, the eldest son of Akua Donkor, confirmed his mother’s passing. He said that he received a call around 4 a.m. on Monday, October 28, from relatives in Accra about her sudden illness. He added that they had been concerned as they had not heard of any prior health issues.

According to Baffour, his sister informed him that their mother had been taken to Nsawam Government Hospital but was later referred to Ridge Hospital due to the severity of her condition. He recounted that doctors administered blood transfusions and drips in hopes of stabilising her, but she ultimately succumbed to her illness.

“It is very true. We have, however, not been told what killed her. She was here exactly three weeks ago and she was in very good health,” he explained

Under Ghana’s electoral law, the GFP now has 10 days to nominate a replacement candidate, which could result in a brief election delay.

“The Commission has since informed the GFP to make arrangements to nominate a new Candidate and inform the Commission accordingly. In the meantime, the Commission has suspended the printing of Presidential Ballot Papers which was near completion”, the Commission said in a statement shared on its official X handle.

Donkor’s running mate, Kwame Appiah- Kubi, a well-known radio host, has expressed interest in stepping up as her replacement.