EC halts ballot printing following death of Akua Donkor

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has paused the printing of presidential ballot papers following the death of Madam Akua Donkor, flagbearer of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP).

In a statement on Tuesday, 29^th October 2024, the EC expressed its condolences for her demise.”

The Commission noted that her passing has raised constitutional questions regarding next steps in the electoral process.

Neither the 1992 Constitution nor the Public Elections Regulations, 2020 (C.I. 127), provide explicit procedures for handling the death of a presidential candidate mid-cycle, according to the EC.

However, the EC referenced Article 50(4) of the Constitution, which states, “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 Commission has accordingly informed the GFP to nominate a replacement within this period and to notify the EC.

The EC also said that the printing of ballot papers, which was nearing completion, will remain on hold until the GFP’s new nominee is confirmed, ensuring an accurate ballot for voters on election day.

In response to Madam Donkor’s passing, her running mate, Roman Fada, a broadcast journalist, expressed his willingness to assume the role of presidential candidate. “If the law says I should be the flagbearer, why not? I am ready to take up the mantle as the flagbearer,” he stated in an interview with an Accra-based radio station.

Madam Akua Donkor passed away on Monday night, October 28, at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.