General News of Wednesday, 30 October 2024

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Akua Donkor: The bold farmer who championed the rights of grassroots communities

The late Akua Donkor The late Akua Donkor

The Founder of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Akua Donkor, passed away on Monday, October 28, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra after battling what is believed to be respiratory issues.

Known as a passionate advocate for farmers, women, and journalists, Akua Donkor stood out in Ghanaian politics for her commitment to grassroots communities, often using a bold and comical approach to capture public attention.

Popularly identified by her slogan, “3ny3 nono," her political career began when she was elected as an Assemblywoman for Herman.

Her first attempt at the presidency was in 2012, but she was disqualified for not meeting the eligibility requirements.

That notwithstanding, she continued her political aspirations, supporting Papa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) that year.

In 2016, however, a fire destroyed her party’s headquarters in Kabu, Akropong Constituency, Eastern Region, disqualifying her from that election.

Despite these setbacks, Akua Donkor remained a resilient and outspoken figure, advocating for grassroots needs and championing agricultural issues.
Listed as the third candidate on the ballot for the 2024 presidential election, she vowed to make significant changes if elected, outlining ambitious 18 promises.

These included finishing the Saglemi Housing Project, providing free accommodation for public servants, increasing maternity leave from three months to one year, offering farmers funds to expand their farms, refining petrol locally, providing clean and free water, and eradicating galamsey.

Her focus on agricultural and social reforms in the country included pension support for farmers over 40, free cutlasses and fertilizers, and ensuring representation of every trade in parliament.

Akua Donkor was last seen in public during a recent IPAC meeting, where she threatened legal action against former President John Dramani Mahama, who questioned her eligibility to run for president.

Her legacy endures as a tireless advocate for marginalised communities, remembered for her slogan “Ɛnyɛ nono,” which symbolises her dedication to addressing the needs of ordinary Ghanaians.

JKB/AE

Watch the video compilation of some of the fondest memories of Akua Donkor below: