The Electoral Commission (EC) has suspended ballot paper printing for the 2024 presidential elections following the death of Akua Donkor, the presidential candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP).
The GFP flagbearer’s passing was confirmed on October 29, 2024, just weeks before the general election, causing significant implications for the electoral process.
In light of this development, the EC has given the GFP 10 days to nominate a new presidential candidate.
In a press statement, Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman of Operations at the EC, stated that “While the 1992 Constitution and the Public Elections Regulations, 2020, C.I. 127, are not clear on processes to follow in the event of the death of a Presidential Candidate, Article 50 (4) of the 1992 Constitution provides as follows: ‘Where at the close of nominations, but before the election, one of the candidates dies, a further period of ten days shall be allowed for nominations.’”
“The Commission has since informed the GFP to make arrangements to nominate a new Candidate and inform the Commission accordingly. In the meantime, the Commission has suspended the printing of Presidential Ballot Papers which was near completion,” the statement added.
READ ALSO: Akua Donkor’s family reacts to fatal blow
Meanwhile, the vice presidential candidate of the GFP, Kwabena Agyeman Appiah Kubi, popularly known as Roman Fada, has disclosed his readiness to run as the new presidential candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) for the December 7 polls.
Roman Fada indicated that he is ready to assume the role should the law require it.
“If the law says I should be the flag bearer why not…I am ready to take up the mantle as the flag bearer.
“Since I am an entertainment person, I hope I will get support from my colleagues in the entertainment field,” he said in a radio interview on Accra-based Angel FM.
Madam Akua Donkor’s death has prompted an outpouring of condolences across the political spectrum.
She reportedly died at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) on Monday, October 28, following respiratory complications.
Initially, she was taken to the Nsawam Government Hospital in the Eastern Region after complaining of breathing difficulties and later transferred to Accra.
However, she died a few hours later.
She is one of two female presidential candidates out of 13 for the 2024 elections.
She is known for hilarious comments about public matters.
Read the EC full statement below;
