EC Halts Ballot Printing After Akua Donkor’s Passing
Ghana Freedom Party Faces Leadership Transition Amid Constitutional Guidelines
- The EC halts printing of presidential ballots due to Akua Donkor's death.
- GFP is given 10 days to nominate a new presidential candidate
- Vice presidential candidate Kwabena Agyeman Appiah Kubi expresses readiness to assume the presidential role.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has put a stop to the printing of presidential ballot papers for the upcoming 2024 elections following the unexpected death of Akua Donkor, the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) presidential candidate.
In light of this, the EC has granted the GFP a 10-day period to select a new candidate. Citing Article 50 (4) of the 1992 Constitution, the EC clarified that in cases where a candidate passes away after nominations have closed but before the election, an extension for nominations is permitted.
In a statement released by Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, the EC acknowledged the lack of clarity in both the 1992 Constitution and the Public Elections Regulations, 2020, regarding procedures following a presidential candidate’s death.
Nonetheless, they emphasized the provision allowing for an extension in such circumstances.
The EC has instructed the GFP to proceed with nominating a new candidate and to notify the Commission accordingly. Consequently, the printing of presidential ballot papers, which was nearing completion, has been halted.
Madam Akua Donkor fell ill on October 26, 2024, was treated and released from the Nsawam Government Hospital, but sadly passed away at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital on October 28.
The GFP is expected to issue a statement regarding her death and outline their next steps.
Akua Donkor founded the GFP in 2011, marking a notable journey from local assembly member to presidential candidate.
