The General Secretary of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), George Afful, has denied claims that the party is divided over whether or not to continue participating in the 2024 presidential election following the death of their founder, Akua Donkor.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Afful clarified that even before her passing, Akua Donkor had expressed her wish that, if she were no longer around, her vice-presidential candidate should replace her.
“It is important that we honour Madam Donkor’s legacy,” Mr. Afful said. “She spent a lot of money on this campaign, and we must fulfill her wishes. We thank God that she made this wish before passing, and it is important that we respect it.”
Mr. Afful stressed that the entire party, including its rank and file, was aware of Madam Donkor’s wishes.
He added, “If the woman who founded our party said that her running mate should replace her if she’s not around, who are we to change that wish? We must fulfill the promise she made before dying.”
The dispute arises over a letter from Richard Botchway, the party’s National Organiser, suggesting that GFP was withdrawing from the election.
However, Mr. Afful dismissed this claim, stating, “We don’t know anyone named Richard Botchway. We have not withdrawn from the race, as has been speculated. That letter should be disregarded.”
The General Secretary further pointed out that GFP does not currently have a Chairman or National Organiser, expressing confusion over the circulation of the letter.
“I believe the devil has used him,” Mr. Afful remarked. “Our party is not divided; we are united in our efforts. Some people just want to take advantage of Akua Donkor’s passing, but God will not allow any division.”
Regarding the vice-presidential candidate, Roman Fada, Mr. Afful reiterated that “Roman Fada” is the name used in the General Secretary’s letter to the Electoral Commission, despite discrepancies in other correspondence referring to him as Philip Kwabena Agyemang.
Following Akua Donkor’s sudden death last week, GFP faces internal disagreements over whether the party should continue its participation in the upcoming December 7 presidential election.
The confusion is compounded by discrepancies in the naming of the vice-presidential candidate.
Both letters from the General Secretary and National Organiser were received by the Electoral Commission on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
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