Stories and facts
Akua Donkor was a prominent Ghanaian farmer and political figure who passed away on October 28, 2024, at the age of 72.
Known for her outspoken personality and ambitious political goals, Donkor led the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) and made several attempts to become Ghana’s president.
Born in February 1952, Akua Donkor hailed from Afigya Kwabre District in the Ashanti Region.
She worked as a cocoa farmer and did not have formal education. Her background in farming and her straightforward nature shaped her appeal to everyday Ghanaians.
Donkor's political journey began with her election as the assemblywoman for Herman, a move that laid the foundation for her presidential ambitions.
She first attempted to run as an independent candidate in the 2012 elections but was disqualified by the Electoral Commission (EC), which stated she did not meet the necessary requirements. Despite disagreeing with the decision, Donkor did not challenge it legally and later threw her support behind Papa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive People’s Party.
Her political ambitions did not wane. Though her party, the GFP, was disqualified again in 2016, Donkor continued her campaign efforts, even asking to be addressed as “Her Excellency.” In January of that year, the GFP headquarters in Kabu, Eastern Region, was destroyed by fire. She described the incident as a test of her resilience and determination to become Ghana's president.
In the 2020 election, Donkor was among three female candidates cleared to run. Out of the 12 candidates, she finished fifth. In 2024, she announced Kwabena Agyeman Appiah Kubi, popularly known as Roman Fada, as her running mate.
Successfully filing her nomination, she secured the third position on the ballot for the 2024 presidential race. During her campaign, she promised free primary and secondary education and proposed abolishing import taxes to encourage imports.
Additionally, she advocated for a free trade zone at Tema Port and encouraged refining Ghana's own resources, including oil, gold, and cocoa, to boost the nation’s economy. Inspired by Libya's Muammar Gaddafi, she often said Ghana could follow Libya's example in managing its resources.
Akua Donkor faced several challenges throughout her political journey. In October 2016, the EC disqualified her and 12 other candidates from running in the December election due to errors on her nomination form. Although disappointed, she urged her supporters not to lose hope, assuring them that the GFP would be ready for the next election.
In October 2024, just weeks before the elections, Donkor fell ill and was admitted to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital). Despite her ongoing treatment and determination to continue her campaign, she passed away on October 28.
Akua Donkor's path from farmer to outspoken political leader will be remembered by many Ghanaians. Her determination, even through many challenges, made a significant impact on Ghana’s politics.
Explore the life of Akua Donkor below.
