The age of Akua Donkor, founder and leader of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), has stirred debate following her death on October 28 at the Ridge Hospital in Accra.

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While various media sources reported her age as 72, 83 new information from the Electoral Commission (EC) suggests she was actually 69.

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According to an EC document released to The Independent Ghana, which profiles presidential candidates for the 2024 elections, Akua Donkor’s age was listed as 69, indicating a birth year of 1955, not 1952 as widely cited.

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To cement the EC's age provided, the online platform AdomNews reported the manner in which Akua Donkor marked her 65th birthday in 2020. The report mentioned June was her birth month.

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Additionally, one of the deceased’s children, Mary, who engaged the media noted that her mother was 83 years old. This suggests that Akua Donkor was born in 1941.

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One of the criteria for presidential aspirants is "forms should include properly attested statutory declarations stating that candidate has provided accurate details to the Commission, has met all the requirements and is qualified for the office of President".

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This discrepancy raises questions about official records, as presidential candidates are required to submit verified statutory declarations confirming their personal details to meet eligibility requirements for office.

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It is reported that Akua Donkor died of respiratory health challenges.

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Akua Donkor’s political journey began as an Assemblywoman for Herman, a position that brought her into the national spotlight. She launched her first presidential bid in 2012 as an independent candidate but was disqualified, later endorsing Papa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP).

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Her path was further hindered in 2016 when a fire destroyed the GFP’s headquarters in Kabu, Eastern Region, and she was ultimately disqualified from that election as well.

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Since her passing, tributes have poured in, honouring her commitment to Ghanaian politics. The GFP now faces the task of selecting a new leader if it wishes to contest in the upcoming elections.

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