Madam Akua Donkor, founder and leader of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), has died at the age of 72 at Ridge Hospital in Accra, according to a family source. Her passing occurred on Monday, October 28, and was confirmed on Tuesday, October 29.
Known for her vibrant presence in Ghanaian politics, Akua Donkor was a passionate advocate for the rights of farmers and women. Her outspoken nature garnered significant attention and impacted the grassroots communities she sought to represent.
Throughout her political career, she made several presidential bids, showcasing remarkable perseverance despite facing financial obstacles. She was listed as the third candidate on the ballot for the upcoming 2024 elections.
Her political journey began as an Assemblywoman for Herman in the Ashanti region, and she first ran for the presidency in 2012 as an independent candidate, though she was disqualified by the Electoral Commission for not meeting eligibility requirements. Rather than contesting this decision legally, she supported Papa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP).
In 2016, Akua Donkor faced further challenges when her party’s headquarters in Kabu, Eastern Region, was destroyed by fire, leading to her disqualification from that election. Despite these setbacks, she remained a resilient figure in Ghanaian politics, dedicated to advocating for marginalized communities.
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As the 2024 general elections approached, she was actively preparing her campaign, which included proposals for free vehicles for journalists, duty-free port services for goods clearance, free education, and better pay for farmers.
After her death, netizens’ tributes have flooded in, honoring her contributions and expressing condolences to her family, friends, and GFP supporters.