Ghana’s Got Voting Rights: African Americans Tune into US Elections from Afar!
Welcome, friends and shameless election junkies! Grab your popcorn and settle in because we’re diving into a delightful odyssey of democracy – and it’s intriguingly unfolding all the way from the vibrant streets of Accra, Ghana!
Picture this: Jimmie Thorne, a 70-year-old shop owner draped in a scarf that practically screams, “Kamala Harris for President!” while tuned into US election coverage from his printing shop. Now, if that’s not commitment, I don’t know what is! It’s amazing to see African Americans thousands of miles away from the hustle and bustle of the US still engaged in the nail-biting political circus. Talk about enthusiastic expatriates, eh?
Since the “Year of Return” in 2019, which marked 400 years since the first enslaved Africans set foot in Virginia (trust me, that’s a date that’ll stick with you like a bad haircut), Ghana has become a beacon for many looking to reconnect with their roots. And why not? With a lush landscape, friendly faces, and a government ready to embrace its African diaspora, one can’t help but feel pulled to this West African gem!
Athletes, Actors, and Now, Activists!
Ghana’s initiative has attracted a veritable who’s who of high-profile names like Steve Harvey and Samuel L. Jackson, transforming the nation into a global tourism darling. But it’s more than just the glitzy appearances; it’s also about those who landed in Ghana and decided to stay.
They’re like the Avengers of democracy—keeping their fingers on the pulse of US politics from afar while trying to figure out if they’re more American or Ghanaian. It’s a dual identity crisis!
“I’m voting for Kamala Harris because democracy is at stake,” declares Thorne, with all the seriousness of a late-night chat show host. And he’s not alone; other African American voters are rallying behind Harris as if she’s the last slice of pizza at a party—everyone wants a piece!
This Ain’t a Walk in the Park
But not everyone’s clapping for Kamala. Marcus Wright, confident that Trump’s policies were like a financial first aid kit, sides with the man who once made headlines by labeling countries he didn’t fancy as “shithole.” Talk about optimism! “Let’s bring back the guy who thinks we’re all a bit subpar!” he says. And there you have it, folks! That’s politics for you—never a shortage of opinions!
Meanwhile, Durah Davies couldn’t care less about US politics. After 15 years in Ghana, she’s more invested in the well-being of her adopted homeland than the political ping-pong happening stateside. “The United States has committed unspeakable atrocities,” she proclaims, in a remark that could make even the most zealous patriot squirm.
Ghana’s Path to Political Empowerment
But it gets better! As thrilling as US elections are, don’t forget Ghana is gearing up for its own political showdown. With Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia battling it out against former President John Mahama, there’s no shortage of drama.
Gillis, our emeritus professor of Africana Studies, reminds us that the future of Africa lies with the youth. Talk about a plot twist! Just when you thought we owed everything to the boomers, we find out the real guests of honor are those fresh-faced kids armed with smartphones and revolution in their hearts!
And let’s not overlook Thorne, who’s set to vote in Ghana’s elections for the first time since gaining citizenship. “My voice counts!” he enthuses. You can practically hear him doing interpretive dance around his printing shop to celebrate his newfound power as a citizen.
Final Thoughts
The whirlwind of diaspora, identity, and democracy is alive and well! Whether cheering for Kamala from afar or contemplating the long-standing historical wounds of American policies, one thing’s for sure: political engagement has crossed oceans and borders.
So, here’s to Jimmie Thorne, Delia Gillis, and even you, Marcus Wright! Whatever side you’re on, the spirit of democracy transcends boundaries—and boy, doesn’t that make for a juicy conversation starter!
That’s a wrap, folks! Until next time, keep your scarves on and your voting hands ready. Your opinions matter—no matter what corner of the globe you’re in!
ACCRA: Clad in a vibrant scarf adorned with the iconic image of Vice President Kamala Harris, shop owner Jimmie Thorne intently followed the US election coverage on the television mounted in his printing shop nestled in Ghana’s bustling capital, Accra.
As US election day approaches, this 70-year-old entrepreneur is one among a distinct group of African American voters who are keenly engaged with the presidential race, all while residing thousands of miles away across the Atlantic.
In a significant move to reconnect with their heritage, Ghana initiated a program in 2019 aimed at encouraging members of the African diaspora to settle in the West African nation.
The initiative, dubbed the “Year of Return,” commemorated the momentous 400-year anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Virginia, prompting a wave of African Americans to migrate to Ghana in search of cultural roots and community.
Championed by Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, this initiative has not only inspired countless individuals but also attracted prominent figures such as television host Steve Harvey, acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson, and celebrated rapper Usher, significantly enhancing Ghana’s status as a premier global tourism destination.
Despite their geographical distance from the United States, many of those who have chosen to permanently relocate often navigate a dual identity. They remain engaged in US politics, casting their votes and often influencing their counterparts back home through advocacy efforts and active social media engagement.
Thorne is a prime example of this engaged voter demographic.
Dressed in a shirt adorned with the stars and stripes, he stood surrounded by an array of Democratic Party memorabilia, showcasing his political allegiance.
“I’m voting for Kamala Harris because democracy is at stake,” he asserted passionately. “She is definitely the better choice. I have absolutely no doubt.”
Thorne expressed deep apprehension about the potential implications of a second term for Republican Donald Trump, both for the United States and the African continent.
“If Donald Trump is elected, it’s not good for Africa — he’s referred to us as ‘shithole countries,’ and that’s clearly how he perceives us.”
Similarly, other African American voters in Ghana voiced their support for Harris, aligning their political views with those of Thorne.
Delia Gillis, an esteemed emeritus professor of Africana Studies, who transitioned from the United States to Ghana in 2019, expressed her exhilaration at Harris’s candidacy, especially as a woman of color breaking barriers.
“It’s invigorating to witness someone who resembles me aiming for the highest office,” Gillis shared with enthusiasm.
“African American women, in particular, have been stalwarts in the electoral process,” she noted. “Now we have an opportunity to elect someone presidential in demeanor.”
However, the support for Harris isn’t unanimous within the community.
“I believe Trump deserves another chance,” expressed Marcus Wright, an African American visitor currently contemplating the permanence of his move to Ghana.
“His economic strategies during his tenure fostered job creation and offered the US a significant economic boost. I genuinely believe he could replicate that success.”
Some African Americans residing in Ghana ponder the effectiveness of focusing their attention on US political affairs.
“I don’t care about the US elections,” declared Durah Davies, 65, who has made Ghana her home for the past 15 years.
“The United States has committed unspeakable atrocities, and its historical policies have systematically oppressed Africans worldwide.
“My priority is Africa and the welfare of our communities here.”
Ghana’s political future
For both Thorne and Gillis, the political landscape in Ghana is as critical as the US elections.
Ghana is gearing up for its own elections scheduled for December, with the contest heating up between Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and opposition leader John Mahama.
Gillis asserts that the new leader in Ghana must prioritize youth empowerment as a pivotal agenda item.
“The continent’s future lies in the hands of its young people,” she emphasized.
Having gained citizenship two years ago, Thorne is set to cast his ballot in Ghana for the very first time come December.
“I feel like a real citizen now,” he said with pride. “My voice matters, and I’m truly excited to contribute to the future of my new home.”