Akua Donkor, the founder of Ghana's Freedom Party (GFP), passed away on October 28, 2024, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra at the age of 72. Her death marks the end of a unique and passionate political career characterized by her unwavering commitment to representing Ghana's grassroots communities, particularly farmers and women. Born in 1952 in the Ashanti Region, Donkor grew up in humble beginnings as a cocoa farmer without formal education, but she emerged as one of Ghana's most distinctive political voices over the last decade.
Akua Donkor began her public service journey as an elected assemblywoman in the town of Herman, a role that allowed her to connect with local residents and advocate for their interests. Her experience in local governance fueled her desire to pursue higher political aspirations, leading her to set her sights on the presidency. In 2012, she made her first attempt to run as an independent candidate but was disqualified due to eligibility issues. Instead of retreating, Donkor established the Ghana Freedom Party, using it as a platform to champion issues she felt mainstream parties neglected, such as rural development, agricultural support, and education.
Donkor's candidacy and political style were marked by a bold, populist approach. She ran her campaigns on platforms promising significant social reforms, which included providing free cars to journalists, implementing duty-free port services, and increasing salaries for farmers. Her promise of free education and healthcare resonated with many Ghanaians, particularly those in underserved rural areas. However, her unconventional campaign style and sweeping promises led to mixed public reception; while some saw her as a refreshing, grassroots advocate, others dismissed her policies as overly ambitious and financially unfeasible.
Throughout her career, Donkor faced numerous setbacks. In 2016, her party headquarters in Kabu was destroyed in a fire, a significant blow to her campaign efforts. In that election, she was again disqualified from running due to electoral commission requirements. Despite these obstacles, Donkor remained resilient and continued to prepare for each election cycle. By 2024, she was officially listed on the ballot as the third presidential candidate and was actively campaigning when she passed away, just weeks before the upcoming general election.
Following her death, Ghanaians from all walks of life expressed their condolences, with many remembering her as a fierce advocate for the marginalized and a determined political figure. Akua Donkor’s legacy lies not just in her specific policy proposals, but in her unyielding spirit and commitment to amplifying the voices of those often overlooked in Ghanaian politics. Her career, while controversial and unconventional, left a mark on Ghana’s political landscape, highlighting the importance of grassroots voices in shaping national discourse.
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