Remembering Akua Donkor (1952-2024): An unusual trailblazer in Ghanaian politics

Ghana mourns the loss of a truly unique and unforgettable figure in its political landscape: Akua Donkor, founder and leader of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP).

Born in February 1952 in Afigya Kwabre District in the Ashanti Region, Akua Donkor was a cocoa farmer with no formal education. She passed away on October 28th at the Ridge Hospital in Accra.

She was a mother and grandmother, fiercely proud of her family and her roots. Yet, her lack of traditional schooling did nothing to dampen her political fire. She emerged onto the scene with a distinctive style, characterized by her outspoken nature, infectious energy, and unconventional campaign strategies.

These often involved catchy slogans, humorous jingles, and promises that, while sometimes seemingly outlandish, resonated with a segment of the population yearning for change and a departure from typical political discourse.

A timeline of Akua Donkor’s attempts at becoming Ghana’s president

Donkor’s political career was marked by several determined attempts to run for the highest office in the land.

• 2012: Her first attempt was met with disqualification by the Electoral Commission due to irregularities in her registration documents. This setback only fuelled her determination.
• 2016: She faced disqualification again, this time leading to her vocal support for then-incumbent president John Mahama.
• 2020: Donkor finally broke through, securing a place on the ballot paper. Though she placed 11th out of 12 candidates, her presence in the race was a victory in itself, a testament to her persistence. She even conceded to Nana Akufo-Addo before the official results were declared, demonstrating a sense of sportsmanship rarely seen in the heated arena of politics.
• 2024: Undeterred, she contested again, choosing Kwabena Agyeman Appiah Kubi (known as Roman Fada) as her running mate. This final campaign was tragically cut short by her passing.

Though her presidential bids were ultimately unsuccessful, they injected a certain vibrancy and unpredictability into the political discourse. Her campaigns, though often dismissed by some as mere entertainment, highlighted important issues and gave a voice to marginalized communities who felt ignored by established politicians.

Akua Donkor forced Ghanaians to confront issues they might otherwise have overlooked, and challenged the political elite to engage with a wider range of perspectives.

Some key policy promises of Akua Donkor during her presidential bids

Beyond her presidential aspirations, Donkor was a passionate advocate for farmers and the rural poor. She championed policies aimed at improving their livelihoods and empowering them economically. Some of her key policy statements included:

• Free port at Tema: To encourage trade and reduce the cost of imported goods.
• Focus on local production: Utilizing Ghana’s resources like gold, cocoa, and shea butter to create finished products instead of relying on imports.
• Free education: Making education accessible to all, from primary to secondary levels.
• Support for women: Providing loans and opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

Her passion for these causes was evident in her fiery speeches and unwavering commitment to representing the interests of ordinary Ghanaians.

Akua Donkor’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. She was a controversial figure, often criticized for her lack of political sophistication and her tendency to make provocative statements.

However, she was also admired for her courage, her resilience, and her unwavering belief in her own abilities. She shattered stereotypes about women in politics and proved that even those from humble beginnings could aspire to the highest positions in the country.

Akua Donkor will be remembered for:

• Her Fearlessness: She dared to challenge the established political order and speak truth to power, regardless of the consequences.
• Her Tenacity: Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, she never gave up on her dreams.
• Her Authenticity: She remained true to herself, even when it meant going against the grain.
• Her Advocacy: She amplified the voices of the marginalized and fought for the rights of the underprivileged.

Her life achievements include:

• Founding the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP): Creating a platform for her political aspirations and for the voices of those she represented.
• Contesting for President: Breaking barriers and challenging the status quo by pursuing the highest office in the land.
• Becoming a voice for the voiceless: Giving a platform to the concerns of farmers, women, and the rural poor.

In a political arena often characterized by formality and tradition, Akua Donkor was a breath of fresh air. She reminded Ghanaians that politics could be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or education. Her life and career serve as an inspiration to those who dare to dream big and challenge the status quo. Though she may be gone, her unique voice and her contribution to Ghanaian politics will not be forgotten.

The post Remembering Akua Donkor (1952-2024): An unusual trailblazer in Ghanaian politics first appeared on 3News.

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