Dr. Rashid Tanko, the Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has indicated what the demise of the Presidential candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Akua Donkor, means to the opposition party with respect to the upcoming polls.
He initially expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and subsequently noted that “as a party, it doesn’t mean anything to you” in an interview on JoyNews today.
He made this remark while responding to concerns hovering around the 2024 presidential elections due to the demise of Akua Donkor.
He explained that C.I. Regulation 17 (4) which states, “where a new candidate is nominated by a political party, the Commission shall adjourn election in the constituency of the deceased for a period of 21 days from the day of the nomination of the new candidate” ensures that the next polls is not affected due to Akua Donkor’s demise.
“It is referring to parliamentary elections, parliamentary candidates and not presidential candidates,” he added.
Akua Dokor has passed away just weeks before Ghana’s 2024 general election. Donkor, a unique figure in Ghanaian politics, died on October 28 at Ridge Hospital in Accra, reportedly from surgical complications.
Donkor’s passing leaves the GFP with the challenge of appointing a new candidate to compete in the upcoming election, should the party choose to participate.
Akua Donkor began her political career as the Assemblywoman for Herman before launching a presidential bid in 2012 as an independent candidate. Disqualified that year over eligibility issues, she endorsed Papa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP). In 2016, a fire destroyed the GFP headquarters in Kabu, Eastern Region, derailing her campaign once again. Yet her determination endured, leading her to campaign for office again in 2024 under the GFP.
Ghanaians across the nation have since paid tribute to Donkor’s dedication to politics and her unrelenting commitment to public service.