Founder and leader of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Madam Akua Donkor, has passed away at Ridge Hospital in Accra.
A family source confirmed her death to MyJoyOnline.com on Tuesday, October 29, revealing that she died on Monday, October 28, at the age of 72.
Renowned for her spirited presence in Ghanaian politics, Akua Donkor was a staunch advocate for the rights of farmers and women. Her bold, outspoken demeanour enabled her to capture public attention and significantly impact the grassroots communities she aimed to represent.
Throughout her political journey, she distinguished herself by running for the presidency multiple times, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite financial challenges.
Akua Donkor was listed as the third candidate on the ballot for the upcoming 2024 presidential elections.
Her political career began with her election as the Assemblywoman for Herman in the Ashanti region, and she made her first bid for the presidency in 2012 as an independent candidate.
Unfortunately, she was disqualified by the Electoral Commission for not meeting eligibility requirements, a decision she disputed but chose not to legally contest.
Instead of pursuing legal action, she showed her support for Papa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP).
In 2016, she faced another setback when her party’s headquarters in Kabu, situated in the Eastern Region, was destroyed by fire, which also led to her disqualification from that election.
Despite these obstacles, Akua Donkor remained a resilient figure in Ghanaian politics, tirelessly advocating for a lasting legacy as a passionate champion for marginalised communities.
In the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, she was actively preparing her campaign with just 39 days remaining, promising policies that included free vehicles for journalists, duty-free port services for the clearance of goods, free education, and improved remuneration for farmers.
Following her passing, tributes have poured in from netizens, honouring her contributions and expressing condolences to her family, loved ones, and supporters of her party.