Mourners Groove to Mahama's Campaign Song at Akua Donkor's One-Week Celebration

The one-week celebration for the late Akua Donkor, the Ghana Freedom Party’s (GFP) presidential candidate, took place on Thursday, November 28, 2024, in her hometown of Ejuratia, located in the Kwabre East District of the Ashanti Region. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of mourners who gathered to pay their respects to the 83-year-old politician.

Akua Donkor’s death, which occurred on October 29, 2024, left many Ghanaians in shock. Her family revealed that she passed away the previous day at the Ridge Hospital in Accra, where she had been undergoing treatment after falling ill. Donkor had been actively campaigning as the flagbearer of the Ghana Freedom Party in the upcoming December 7, 2024, general election, and her untimely passing was felt deeply by her supporters and the wider political community.

The one-week celebration, which is a common tradition in Ghanaian culture, was marked by a blend of somber reflection and celebration of her life. As expected at such events, music and dancing played a significant role in the gathering. One moment that captured the attention of many was when the DJ played “Kwen Kwen,” the 2024 campaign song of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), performed by Nacee. A video from the event quickly went viral, showing the lively reaction of the crowd when the song began to play. Mourners, including both young and old, eagerly joined in the celebration, dancing and singing along to the tune. Even some attendees, who were dressed in New Patriotic Party (NPP) paraphernalia, couldn’t resist the infectious energy and also participated in the dance.

This moment of excitement and unity during the celebration highlighted the unique nature of Ghanaian funerals, where mourning and celebration often coexist. It is a testament to the vibrant and resilient spirit of the people, even in the face of loss. The funeral of Akua Donkor, while a solemn occasion, became a celebration of her legacy, with many choosing to remember her through joy and dance.

Donkor’s political career, especially as the founder of the Ghana Freedom Party, was an important part of her life, and the event was an opportunity for her supporters to honor her contributions to the political landscape. While her party had not been among the dominant forces in Ghanaian politics, her role as a female politician in a male-dominated sphere and her drive to represent the marginalized in society earned her respect from her followers.

Following her passing, the Ghana Freedom Party quickly named a replacement for her as the flagbearer for the upcoming presidential election. Kwabena Agyeman Appiah Kubi, known as Roman Fada, was nominated by the party to take over the leadership position. However, this nomination was not without complications, as the Electoral Commission (EC) later disqualified him from contesting the election. The reasons behind his disqualification remain a point of discussion, adding another layer of complexity to the political narrative surrounding Akua Donkor’s death and her party’s future.

Despite her passing, the Ghana Freedom Party and its supporters have continued to honor her memory and vision. The celebration of her life at the one-week event was a clear demonstration of the loyalty and respect she had earned over the years. For those who were close to her, her legacy as a woman who dared to challenge the political establishment and provide a voice for the underrepresented will not be easily forgotten.

In Ghana, political figures, especially those with a significant following, are often celebrated in the context of their lives, and Donkor was no exception. The celebration of her life, even in death, underscores the enduring impact of her role in Ghanaian politics. It also reflects the wider cultural practices of the country, where funerals are not only times of grief but also of unity, reflection, and, as seen in this case, joy.

As the GFP navigates its future without its iconic leader, it remains to be seen how the party will adapt to the changes following Akua Donkor’s death. However, the outpouring of support and the celebratory tone at her one-week commemoration show that, for her supporters, her influence will continue to resonate for years to come.