The Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed the withdrawal of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) from the 2024 elections, as well as the application of Roman Fada to run for president. The EC is currently deliberating on how to address the procedural implications of these developments.
A source within the EC stated that both the GFP’s withdrawal and Roman Fada’s application have been received, but no decision has been made yet. The EC is carefully considering the situation before making any official announcements.
The GFP officially announced their withdrawal in a statement signed by National Organiser Richard Botchway on behalf of the party’s National Executive Council. The decision was made to honor the memory of Akua Donkor, the party’s late founder and presidential candidate, whom they referred to as a “political heroine.”
The statement expressed the party’s regret for any inconvenience caused to the EC’s election calendar and confirmed their commitment to participate in future elections. The decision to withdraw was reached in consultation with Donkor’s family to pay tribute to her dedication and sacrifices.
Akua Donkor, known for her advocacy for farmers and women, passed away on October 28, 2024, at the age of 72. Her passing has temporarily halted the EC’s election preparations, as her death requires procedural adjustments. Despite facing challenges in previous elections, Donkor had secured a spot as the third candidate on the 2024 ballot.
The EC’s decision to suspend the printing of presidential ballot papers aligns with legal provisions outlined in the 1992 Ghanaian Constitution. The Commission is committed to ensuring that the electoral process remains on track despite the complexities involved in such cases.
Roman Fada, who served as Akua Donkor’s running mate, has filed an application to run for president under the GFP. The EC is expected to make a decision on his candidacy soon, pending further documentation and procedural checks. The GFP has not yet issued a statement regarding Fada’s actions or their strategic direction in light of Donkor’s absence.
As Ghana awaits clarity on these unfolding events, it highlights the importance of electoral regulations and the ever-changing dynamics of the country’s political landscape. The EC’s handling of the GFP’s withdrawal and Roman Fada’s application will shape the course of the 2024 elections and the future of Ghanaian politics.
