As the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) grapples with the sudden death of its founder and presidential candidate, Akua Donkor, deep divisions within the party have surfaced, casting uncertainty over its involvement in the upcoming December 7, 2024, presidential election.
Just weeks away from Election Day, the GFP’s General Secretary, George Afful, sent a letter on Monday, November 4, to the Electoral Commission (EC), declaring the party’s intention to remain in the race. Afful’s communication introduced Philip Appiah Kubi, popularly known as “Roman Fada,” as the party’s new presidential candidate. He described this decision as essential for maintaining the GFP’s presence in the political landscape despite the founder’s untimely demise. According to Afful, the GFP’s vice-presidential candidate had been selected as Donkor’s replacement, with Vida Eshun named as his new running mate.
However, the very next day, another letter reached the EC. This one, penned by GFP’s National Organizer, Richard Botchway, took a strikingly different position. Botchway announced the party’s official withdrawal from the election, citing the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) resolution in consultation with Akua Donkor’s family. Botchway emphasized that the decision was made to honor Donkor’s legacy and commitment to the GFP, explaining that the late founder had been the driving force behind the party’s mission and its sole presidential contender. “This decision, irrespective of how difficult it may be, has been reached to posthumously honor the commitment and sacrifices by our late Founder and Presidential Candidate,” Botchway’s letter read. The NEC also expressed regret for any disruption the withdrawal might cause to the EC’s preparations but noted the party’s readiness for future participation.
Amid these conflicting directives, the Electoral Commission has initially opted to act on Afful’s letter, recognizing Roman Fada as the new GFP candidate. Sources within the EC have confirmed receipt of Fada’s nomination documents on November 5, around 1:07 p.m., with Deputy Chairman Samuel Tettey personally receiving the forms. The commission has since initiated a review of the nomination documents and is expected to announce its findings regarding the eligibility of Roman Fada and Vida Eshun by Thursday, November 7.
Interestingly, discrepancies have emerged regarding Roman Fada’s legal name. While correspondence from the GFP has alternatively referenced him as Philip Kwabena Agyemang, the General Secretary’s letter to the EC lists him as Philip Appiah Kubi. This inconsistency has further fueled the internal tensions as party officials debate the best path forward in the wake of Donkor’s death.
As the Electoral Commission reviews the legitimacy of the nomination, the split within the GFP remains stark, with one faction keen on continuing the electoral journey in honor of Akua Donkor’s ambitions, and another pushing for a withdrawal to preserve her legacy.
