Akua Donkor’s party split …to withdraw or to contest

The Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) has sent two contradictory letters to the Electoral Commission (EC), the first saying it has replaced its flag-bearer  for the 2024 presidential elections and the second one saying the Party has withdrawn from the said elections.

The first one was dated Monday November 4, 2024,  and signed by the GFP’s General Secretary, George Afful. It officially notified the EC of the Party’s decision to endorse Philip Kwabena Agyemang, also known as Roman Fada, as their presidential candidate.

That letter was received by the EC on Tuesday November 5.

The second letter from the same GFP was not dated but was signed by the Party’s National Organiser, Richard Botchway.

The second  letter was also received by the EC on Tuesday November 5 and it officially notified the EC that the GFP had  decided to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race entirely.

It said the decision was taken by the Party in stated that, after consultation with the family of the founder and immediate past flag-bearer, Akua Donkor.

National Organizer, Richard Botchway, noted in the latter that  decision to withdraw serves as a tribute to Donkor’s life and legacy.

“The National Executive Committee of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) in consultation with the family of our late flag-bearer, Mad. Akua Donkor, has decided to withdraw from the impending December Parliamentary and Presidential elections.

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.

We are by this letter formally informing the Commission of our intention not to participate in the elections.

Any inconveniences this decision may have caused the Commission and its calendar for the December 7 elections is deeply regretted.

We will be ready to participate in any future elections organized by the Electoral Commission.

Count on your usual co-operations,” the letter read.

In response to 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, 2024, the Commission expressed its condolences to Donkor’s family and the GFP, recognizing her commitment to political service. Citing Article 50 (4) of the 1992 Constitution, the Commission noted that a ten-day period for new nominations is required if a candidate passes away between the close of nominations and the election date.

Donkor’s political journey began as the Assemblywoman for Herman in the Ashanti Region. In 2012, she launched her first presidential campaign as an independent candidate but faced disqualification due to eligibility issues.

She later supported Papa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), demonstrating her resilience in Ghanaian politics. For the 2024 election, she had selected popular broadcaster KwabenaAgyeman Appiah Kubi, known as Roman Fada, as her running mate.

The GFP expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by its withdrawal but assured its commitment to future elections.

Meanwhile the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP)  of being behind the new confussion within the GFP.

NDC Deputy General Secretary , Mustapha Gbande, alleges that the NPP is  causing confusion for the GFP to withdraw so as to manipulate the party’s position on the ballot to secure number 8 for themselves in the upcoming December elections.

“We do know that the NPP has done so much to try to frustrate GFP relisting into the contest so that they can succeed in changing numbers… what they forget is that no political party has really won an election in Ghana on the basis of numbers. So it is the NPP behind this kind of gimmick,” , Mustapha Gbande, alleged.