Ghana presidential election: the disappearance of Akua Donkor, voice of the left behind

Akua Donkor, the unique and controversial figure of the Ghanaian political scene, died on October 30, 2024, in the midst of the presidential election campaign. Leader and founder of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), she embodied the defense of rural populations, often neglected by the major parties. At 72, she leaves behind a political legacy tinged with frankness and audacity, a notable loss for her supporters who saw in her an honest voice representative of their realities.

Akua Donkor, an atypical career in Ghanaian politics

It is difficult to talk about Akua Donkor without mentioning her extraordinary background: from a modest family with little formal education, she made her mark on the Ghanaian political scene thanks to her strong character. Unlike her competitors who are generally well-educated and from privileged backgrounds, Akua Donkor, a former farmer, was able to capitalize on her origins to speak without filter to voters in rural and disadvantaged areas.

In 2012, she founded the Ghana Freedom Party with a bold agenda: to challenge urban elites and defend the interests of the working classes. Her slogan and often direct interventions quickly earned her media attention that went well beyond Ghana. Although marginalized by the dominant parties, her determination allowed her to run for office several times, where she distinguished herself by her frankness, without compromise or wooden language. The media sometimes described her as a "runner of the impossible", others as a necessary voice for Ghanaian pluralism.

A presidential campaign abruptly interrupted

Her death comes as she was actively campaigning for the presidential election scheduled in a few months. This year again, Akua Donkor hoped to shake up the political arena with proposals that resonated with ordinary people, especially farmers and rural women. Akua Donkor’s candidacy brought a freshness and a different angle to the election, often dominated by party heavyweights like the NPP (New Patriotic Party) and the NDC (National Democratic Congress).

His passing, however, raises many questions: with his absence, the Ghana Freedom Party has lost its central figure, the one who embodied its very essence. The GFP can be expected to struggle to find a leader capable of representing with such fervor the ideals and aspirations of the founder. On the ground, many GFP supporters fear that the voices of the poor will no longer be carried in this crucial election. The first post-departure polls are likely to reflect this shock, while the GFP will strive to find a successor who can stay the course.

Political Legacy and Future of the Ghana Freedom Party

Beyond the shockwave of her death, Akua Donkor leaves a definite political legacy, having paved the way for candidates from modest backgrounds. Throughout her campaigns, she advocated for more inclusive representation, where every voice counts, regardless of social status. Her positions in favor of protecting agricultural land, strengthening farmers' rights and better integrating women into politics have left their mark, even if her party never won a significant seat.

The future of the GFP remains uncertain. Without Akua Donkor, the party loses a charismatic leader who single-handedly attracted the majority of supporters. But her legacy could inspire a new generation of politicians willing to stand up for the marginalized in a country where politics is increasingly dominated by elites. Some analysts even believe that her death could trigger a collective awakening, leading other candidates to focus more on the concerns of rural voters.

Ultimately, Akua Donkor's passing not only marks the loss of a candidate; it also reveals the dire lack of political figures who can authentically represent rural and disadvantaged populations.