EC suspends printing of ballot papers over Akua Donkor’s death

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

According to the EC, the suspension is to allow the party 10 days to nominate a new presidential candidate.

The EC stated that the decision aligns with Article 50 (4) of the 1992 Constitution, which specifies, “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,” as noted in portions of a statement issued by the EC.

A statement signed by Samuel Tettey, the Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations at the EC, added, “While the 1992 Constitution and the Public Elections Regulations, 2020, C.I. 127, are not clear on processes to follow in the event of the death of a Presidential Candidate, Article 50 (4) of the 1992 Constitution provides as follows: ‘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.'”

In a related development, Madam Donkor’s vice-presidential candidate, Kwabena Agyeman Appiah Kubi, popularly known as Roman Fada, has expressed his readiness to replace her.

Akua Donkor, aged 72, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Ridge Hospital after a brief illness.