Ghana Freedom Party Leader Akua Donkor Passes Away Weeks Before 2024 Presidential Election

 

Akua Donkor, the founder and leader of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), has reportedly passed away at the age of 72. According to reports, she died on October 28, 2024, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra. Her passing marks the end of a distinctive political career that captured public attention for her candid, sometimes controversial approach to political discourse.

Akua Donkor rose to prominence as a political figure with a unique voice in Ghana's political landscape. She initially ran as an independent candidate in the 2012 elections, then later founded the Ghana Freedom Party. Her political agenda, which centered on rural development, particularly for farmers, and her straightforward communication style, earned her a unique place among Ghanaian politicians. Her presence in the 2024 presidential race was notable, as she was the third candidate on the ballot. Akua Donkor had advocated for policies that included benefits for journalists and free port services for all Ghanaians, promising impactful changes in the lives of ordinary citizens.

Reports on her health issues leading up to her death are scarce, but it has been confirmed that she was receiving medical attention at Ridge Hospital. Her death has sparked a wave of reactions and condolences from the public, including political figures and ordinary Ghanaians. Her supporters have expressed deep sorrow, as her contributions as a voice for Ghana's rural and often marginalized communities will be remembered by many.

Akua Donkor’s passing just weeks before the 2024 presidential election raises questions about the future of the Ghana Freedom Party and the political void her absence leaves. Her unique perspective and promise of rural support had made her a distinctive candidate in the race. The GFP’s path forward remains uncertain, but Akua Donkor's legacy as an outspoken figure for grassroots Ghanaian concerns will likely endure in the country's political history.

Ghana’s political landscape has lost a one-of-a-kind leader whose unapologetic voice and advocacy for social equity resonated with many.