The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed profound condolences to the family of Akua Donkor, a prominent political figure, following her death. The party characterized her passing as a significant loss to the nation, highlighting her resilience and determination in overcoming various life challenges. In their statement, the NPP emphasized that Madam Donkor’s life serves as a powerful inspiration for all Ghanaians, encouraging everyone to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development regardless of gender, education, age, or social standing. Her legacy is seen as a testament to the impact that individual effort can have on a larger scale.
Akua Donkor, who was born in February 1952, unfortunately passed away on October 28, after a brief illness at Ridge Hospital in Accra. At the time of her death, she was the leader and presidential candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) for the upcoming 2024 General Election. Her political journey is remarkable, particularly given her challenges with literacy. Despite these hurdles, Donkor exemplified grit and commitment in advocating for her rights and the advancement of women, carving a path for herself in Ghanaian politics.
Madam Donkor’s political career gained momentum when she was elected as the Assemblywoman for Heman in the Ashanti Region. This position marked a significant step towards her ambition of becoming the President of Ghana. She made two attempts to contest the presidential elections in 2012 and 2016, but both times she was disqualified by the Electoral Commission. Nevertheless, she persevered and in the 2020 elections, she successfully ran as one of the three women candidates, finishing fifth out of twelve candidates. Just ahead of the 2024 elections, she filed her nomination and her party, the GFP, was scheduled to be listed third on the ballot paper.
Throughout her political campaigning, Madam Donkor consistently advocated for a comprehensive free educational policy extending from primary to secondary levels. She sought a science-based educational system, aiming to develop a robust human resource base for the country. Furthermore, her party, the GFP, focused on implementing locally-driven solutions to enhance Ghana’s natural resource management, including the refining of gold and oil, while supporting small and medium-scale enterprises to flourish, reflecting her commitment to fostering economic empowerment.
Corruption in governance was a significant concern for Madan Donkor and her party. She promised to tackle corruption and hold government officials accountable for bribery scandals if they were given the opportunity to lead. This commitment to integrity in public office resonated with many constituents who shared her vision for a more transparent and accountable government. The NPP acknowledged her dedication to these issues, recognizing her as a courageous activist who served her country with unwavering dedication.
As the nation mourns the loss of Akua Donkor, the NPP celebrated her legacy of fearless activism, emphasizing her contributions to Ghana’s democratic landscape. They expressed their hopes for comfort and peace for her soul as she rests in eternal peace. Madam Donkor’s life story is a reminder of the considerable impact that one individual can have in shaping the future, and her drive to advocate for social change continues to inspire many in Ghana. The tributes paid to her reflect the high regard in which she was held and the significant mark she left on Ghanaian society.
