The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has halted the printing of presidential ballot papers for the 2024 election following the death of Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) candidate Akua Donkor.

Citing Article 50 (4) of the 1992 Constitution, the EC announced that the GFP now has a 10-day window to nominate a new candidate. The provision states that “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 EC confirmed the suspension in a press release signed by Deputy Chairman of Operations, Samuel Tettey. The statement highlighted that while the Constitution and Public Elections Regulations, 2020 (C.I. 127) lack specific guidelines for a candidate’s death at this stage, Article 50 (4) allows for an additional nomination period under such circumstances.

The GFP’s vice-presidential nominee, Kwabena Agyeman Appiah Kubi, widely known as Roman Fada, expressed readiness to take on the role of presidential candidate. Speaking on Accra’s Angel FM, he said, “If the law says I should be the flag bearer, why not… I am ready to take up the mantle as the flag bearer.”

Madam Akua Donkor was taken to Nsawam Government Hospital on October 26, 2024, for medical treatment and later transferred to Greater Accra Regional Hospital, where she passed away on October 28.

Akua Donkor, who founded the GFP in 2011, had a longstanding commitment to public service, beginning as an assembly member in Hemang, Kwabre East District, and advancing to presidential candidate.

Source:TheDotNews