The family of the late Akua Donkor, founder and flagbearer of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), is grappling with grief after her sudden death in Accra on Monday.
The news has deeply affected her hometown of Ejuratia in the Afigya Kwabre South District of the Ashanti Region, where she was not only a political figure but also a beloved community leader.
Community mourns
In Ejuratia, a steady stream of sympathizers has been visiting her family home to express their condolences and recall her contributions to the area. Akua Donkor, who served as an Assembly Member, was known for her commitment to developing her community.
Her efforts left lasting impacts in education, infrastructure, and public services, including road construction and providing essential amenities to local schools and markets.
The family head, Opanin Nana Yao Poku, shared their disbelief, saying, “We received a call yesterday informing us of her demise, but we didn’t believe it because we thought it was just political propaganda.
However, this morning, we received another call, and we are in a state of shock.”
He added that Akua Donkor’s legacy as a trailblazer would remain a vital part of Ghana’s history.
A daughter’s call for a state burial
Ama Serwaa Bonsu, Akua Donkor’s daughter, is advocating for the state to honor her mother with an official burial ceremony, highlighting her contributions to Ghana’s political and social development.
“My mother contributed significantly to the development of Ghana,” she said.
“We have an asphalt road at Ejuratia because of her, and she built schools, markets, and water facilities in several communities.”
She emphasized her mother’s dedication to empowering the youth, particularly young girls, and her advocacy for greater female representation in leadership roles.
According to Bonsu, a state burial would recognize her mother’s tireless efforts and ensure her legacy is remembered.
Legacy GFP
Akua Donkor’s political journey began with her attempts to become an Assembly Member in her native Kwabre area.
Her persistence ultimately led her to establish the Ghana Freedom Party in 2011, which was officially registered a year later.
She went on to contest for a parliamentary seat in 2004 and 2008, and despite her losses, her passion for politics never waned.
With her sights set on the 2024 presidential election, she had filed her candidacy on the GFP ticket, cementing her lifelong dream of impacting Ghana through higher office.
