Deputy Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Electoral Commission, Fred Tetteh has dispelled claims that the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential election.
In an engagement, he indicated to The Independent Ghana that “it is not true” in response to our enquiry.
Prior to this, the General Secretary for the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) refuted the statement issued by an Executive of the party announcing their withdrawal.
National Organiser, Richard Botchway, while citing the National Executive Committee of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) noted that in consultation with the family of our late flagbearer, Madam Akua Donkor, the party has withdraws from the upcoming December Parliamentary and Presidential elections.
A statement signed by National Organiser, Richard Botchway, read “this decision, irrespective of how difficult it may be, has been reached to posthumously honour the commitment and sacrifices by our late Founder and Presidential Candidate as the only person to send her candidature to grave.”
“We are by this letter formally informing the Commission of our intention not to participate in the elections. Any inconveniences this decision may have caused the Commission and its calendar for the December 7 elections is deeply regretted. We will be ready to participate in any future elections organized by the Electoral Commission. Count on your usual co-operations,” the statement added.
According to GhanaWeb, George Afful indicated that “It is fake news that we have withdrawn. At 1:07 pm at the Electoral Commission, we have successfully filed our nomination. Philip Appiah Kubi is our candidate.”
He further accused Richard Botchway of being a criminal due to his recent action. “He (the National Organiser) is a criminal. He is a criminal,” he said.
On Monday, it was reported that Kwabena Agyeman Appiah Kubi (Roman Fada), who was the running mate of Akua Donkor, the former flagbearer of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), has been elected as the party’s flagbearer following his boss’ demise.
The GFP executives made this known today. Prior to the decision, Roman Fada had declared his readiness to take on the role of flagbearer following the passing of Akua Donkor.
Akua Donkor fell ill on Saturday, October 26, 2024, and received treatment at the Nsawam Government Hospital before being discharged.
Unfortunately, her health deteriorated, prompting her emergency transfer to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (formerly Ridge Hospital) on Sunday, October 27. Tragically, she passed away at 10:00 PM on Monday, October 28.
Following her passing, the Electoral Commission directed the party to inform the commission of the individual to take Akua Donkor’s stead and the number 8 slot on the ballot papers. A 10-day time frame was issued by the commission.
Meanwhile, the executives of the party have expressed belief in their newly chosen leader and his capabilities to provide victory in the 2024 general elections.