The Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) has plunged into internal conflict following conflicting statements from party officials over its participation in the upcoming December 2024 presidential election.
Earlier reports suggested that the GFP had officially withdrawn from the race, with a letter supposedly signed by National Organizer Richard Botchway addressed to the Electoral Commission stating that the party would not contest.
However, GFP General Secretary George Afful has refuted these claims, calling the letter “fake news” and denouncing Botchway’s actions as criminal.
Afful, in an interview with the media, reportedly accused Botchway of acting independently and falsely claiming the party’s withdrawal.
“It is fake news that we have withdrawn. At 1:07 pm at the Electoral Commission (EC), we successfully filed our nomination. Philip Appiah Kubi, known as Roman Fada, is our candidate,” Afful asserted.
He also declared, “He [the National Organiser] is a criminal. He is a criminal,” indicating serious divisions within the party.
To affirm this rebuttal, the EC has confirmed that indeed the GFP remains in the 2024 presidential race, dispelling rumours of the party’s withdrawal. Deputy Director of Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Electoral Commission, Fred Tetteh, confirmed the GFP’s active candidature in an engagement with The Independent Ghana.
It’s not true, Mr Tetteh said when The Independent Ghana enquired.
The confusion emerged after the passing of the GFP’s founder and original flag bearer, Madam Akua Donkor, who died on October 28. Following her death, the Electoral Commission had directed the GFP to nominate a new candidate within ten days to retain its ballot position.
The party selected Philip Appiah Kubi as Donkor’s replacement, and Afful confirmed that his nomination has been formally submitted.
The conflicting statements between the National Organiser and General Secretary underscore growing internal tensions, casting uncertainty on the GFP’s preparedness and unity ahead of the 2024 general elections.