"Ghana Electoral Commission Pauses Ballot Printing After Death of Presidential Candidate Akua Donkor"

The Ghana Electoral Commission (EC) has temporarily halted the printing of ballot papers for the upcoming 2024 presidential election following the sudden passing of Akua Donkor, leader and presidential candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP). Donkor, a longtime political figure and an advocate for rural development and social welfare, passed away on October 28, 2024, at Ridge Hospital in Accra due to a brief illness at the age of 72.

The EC’s decision to pause ballot printing was made in accordance with Ghana's 1992 Constitution. If a candidate dies between the nomination period and the election, an additional ten days must pass according to Article 50(4) of the Constitutional” This clause, according to a statement from the EC signed by Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, necessitates the provision of a 10-day period for the GFP to nominate a new presidential candidate. Tettey noted that while Ghana’s Constitution and the Public Elections Regulations, 2020, C.I. 127, are somewhat unclear about specific procedures in the event of a presidential candidate’s death, the constitutional mandate for a 10-day grace period is clear.

Donkor’s legacy includes her vibrant and sometimes unconventional political style, which resonated with grassroots supporters who admired her outspokenness and her rural advocacy. Her presence in the 2024 race was expected to inject diversity into the political discourse, especially on issues of rural welfare, resource distribution, and women's representation in Ghanaian politics. Donkor, a former farmer who had risen to national prominence, had become a symbol of resilience and determination for many Ghanaians.

In a related development, Kwabena Agyeman Appiah Kubi, better known by his popular moniker, Roman Fada, who was Donkor’s running mate, has expressed his willingness to step up as her replacement. This development could see him continue Donkor’s political vision, although the GFP may also consider other figures within its ranks.

The EC will resume the election preparation process once a new candidate is nominated by the GFP. The brief hiatus underscores the significance of electoral inclusivity, ensuring that the GFP maintains representation in the upcoming election. The passing of Donkor has added a complex and somber note to the election period, but it has also underscored the resilience of Ghana's electoral processes and the provision for inclusivity even in the face of unexpected developments.