Death of Akua Donkor: EC suspends printing of ballot papers

The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) has suspended printing of ballot papers for the presidential election slated for December 7, 2024.

This follows the death of one of the candidates, the Founder of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Madam Akua Donkor.

This was announced by the Commission through a press release dated October 29 and signed by the Deputy Chairman in Charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey.

“The Electoral Commission has today received information on the unfortunate passing of the Presidential Candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Madam Akua Donkor. May she rest in peace…The Commission has since informed the GFP to make arrangements to nominate a new Candidate and inform the Commission accordingly. In the meantime, the Commission has suspended the printing of Presidential Ballot Papers which was near completion,” Mr Tettey wrote.

According to the EC, “While the 1992 Constitution and the Public Elections Regulations, 2020, C.I. 127, are not clear on processes to follow in the event of the death of a Presidential Candidate, Article 50 (4) of the 1992 Constitution provides as follows; “where at the close of nominations, but before the election, one of the candidates dies, a further period of the ten days shall be allowed for nominations…” hence the decision to get  the GFP to nominate a fresh presidential candidate.

Akua Donkor died at the Ridge Hospital in Accra on Monday, October 28 reportedly due to respiratory challenges.

The news was confirmed by broadcast journalist Adakabre Frimpong Manso on TV3’s New Day show on Tuesday October 29.

“Last night I was called to Ridge hospital, flanked by her daughter and relatives, running mate Appia Kubi, I saw Akua Donkor’s body at the ICU around 11 PM, she had passed on,” Adakabre said.

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