Akua Donkor, the founder and leader of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), passed away just weeks before Ghana’s 2024 presidential election.
Her death was confirmed on October 29 by her running mate, Kwabena Agyekum Kubi, known popularly as “Roman Fada,” during a live radio program. Donkor, 72, had been receiving treatment at Ridge Hospital in Accra before passing away on Monday, October 28.
“She hadn’t been well for some days, so we took her to Nsawam Government Hospital on Saturday,” Kubi recounted. “But her health didn’t improve. On Sunday, they called me to say she had been moved to Ridge Hospital,” he continued. Reflecting on the sorrowful news, he added, “Yesterday afternoon, the family called to inform me that she didn’t make it.”
Akua Donkor was widely known as a bold, outspoken voice for Ghana’s grassroots communities and advocated passionately for the welfare of farmers, women, and the economically disadvantaged.
Her political journey began with her election as Assemblywoman for Herman, where she gained a reputation for her strong support of local farmers. Although she had no formal education, Donkor aspired to the presidency, first attempting to run in 2012 as an independent candidate before being disqualified by the Electoral Commission due to eligibility issues.
Undeterred by setbacks, Donkor ran in two subsequent elections. Her campaign policies, such as duty-free port services, free education, and fair wages for farmers, resonated strongly with Ghanaians seeking change.
In 2016, her party’s headquarters in Kabu, Eastern Region, was destroyed by fire in early January, which disqualified her from that year’s race. However, she continued pursuing her political career, endorsing Papa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) after her disqualification in 2012.
On the 2024 presidential ballot, she was listed as the third candidate.
The news of Donkor’s passing spread quickly across social media on the morning of October 29, when Ghanaians expressed shock and sadness over her sudden death.
In response to this tragic loss, the Ghana Freedom Party has called an emergency meeting to discuss its future direction.
Donkor’s family has yet to announce funeral arrangements.
