Votes from Afar: African Americans in Ghana Follow US Elections
So there we have it: camouflaged behind vibrant scarves and electoral fervor, African Americans in Ghana are casting their eyes—and, this time, their votes—across the Atlantic. Instead of preparing for a traditional Thanksgiving, shop owner Jimmie Thorne is camped out in his printing shop, sporting a scarf with Kamala Harris’s image. And let’s face it, watching US election coverage from Ghana is probably more riveting than any daytime soap opera.
At 70, Thorne is not just a shop owner but a symbol of a diaspora yearning to reconnect with its roots. Since Ghana’s ambitious “Year of Return” in 2019—where they invited African Americans to consider relocating to their ancestral home—many have jumped at the chance. Who wouldn’t want to embrace their heritage? Plus, it’s always nice to swap snow for sun, isn’t it?
“If Donald Trump is elected, it’s not good for Africa — he’s called us ‘shithole countries’, and that’s how he sees us.”
But alas, the plot thickens! Thorne isn’t alone in his pro-Harris stance. Delia Gillis, a professor who could probably school us all in Africana Studies, is overflowing with enthusiasm over Harris’s candidacy. “It’s exciting to see someone who looks like me running for the highest office,” she beams. Well, who could disagree? Representation matters, especially in a world where staring at your own reflection can sometimes be disheartening!
Of course, it’s not all high-fives and warm fuzzies. Enter Marcus Wright, who firmly believes Trump deserves another go. “His economic policies during his administration helped create jobs,” he insists. Which, let’s be honest, is a bit like saying your oversized sweater brings warmth—only if you ignore how it looks like a football jersey that’s seen better days!
And oh, do we have dissent! Durah Davies, after fifteen years in Ghana, rolls her eyes at the notion of engaging with US elections. “The United States has committed unspeakable atrocities,” she declares. Ouch! That’s a different flavor of truth, isn’t it? Sometimes you need a cold splash of reality to wake up the crowd.
Beyond the US: Ghana’s Own Ballot Battle
But wait, there’s more! It’s not just the US that’s gearing up for an electoral extravaganza. Ghana’s own elections are right around the corner, with Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP gearing up to face off against John Mahama. Suddenly, those popcorn bags might be useful sticking around beyond just the US election coverage!
“The continent’s future lies in the hands of its young people,” Gillis asserts.
With the stakes high for both the US and Ghana, the voices of those in the diaspora are becoming increasingly resonant. For Thorne, who has gained Ghanaian citizenship, casting his vote in December is a rite of passage. “I’m excited to contribute to the future of my new home,” he exclaims. Godspeed, my friend!
As we can see, the threads binding these narratives together are rich and multifaceted. Whether you’re clad in Democratic paraphernalia or expressing scepticism about the whole political circus, one thing is for certain: from Accra to America, democracy isn’t just a game of numbers—it’s a tapestry woven from experiences, identities, and a fair share of cheeky observations.
ACCRA: Clad in a striking scarf that showcased an image of Kamala Harris, shop owner Jimmie Thorne eagerly followed the unfolding US election coverage on the television in his bustling printing shop nestled in Ghana’s vibrant capital, Accra. As election day approaches, the 70-year-old finds himself among a unique cohort of African American voters who are keenly monitoring the presidential race from across the Atlantic Ocean.
In 2019, Ghana unveiled an innovative initiative aimed at encouraging members of the African diaspora to return to the West African nation, thereby reconnecting with their ancestral roots. This program is part of a broader celebration known as the “Year of Return,” which marked the poignant 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Virginia. As a result, numerous African Americans have relocated to Ghana, discovering a profound sense of belonging in their new home.
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo championed this initiative, which not only attracted a significant number of new residents but also drew the attention of notable figures like television personality Steve Harvey, acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson, and renowned rapper Usher. Their visits have helped to enhance Ghana’s reputation as a burgeoning global tourism hotspot.
Those who have embraced permanent residency in Ghana often grapple with a complex dual identity. Despite the geographical distance, many continue to participate in US elections, using their voices to influence friends and family back in the States through advocacy and social media channels.
It is no secret that Thorne is one such dedicated voter. Engaged in a discussion with AFP while wearing a stars-and-stripes shirt, he reflected the Democratic Party’s spirit through various paraphernalia displayed in his shop.
“I’m unequivocally voting for Kamala Harris because I believe democracy is at stake,” he declared passionately. “She is undoubtedly the preferable choice. I have absolutely no doubt.”
Thorne further articulated his concerns regarding the implications of a potential Republican victory led by Donald Trump, emphasizing the risks such an outcome presents not only to the US but to the continent of Africa as well. “If Donald Trump is elected, it’s detrimental for Africa — he’s referred to us as ‘shithole countries’, and that’s clearly how he perceives us.”
Among other African American voters in Ghana, support for Harris is similarly palpable. Delia Gillis, an emeritus professor of Africana Studies who transitioned from the United States to Ghana in 2019, expressed her elation about Harris’s candidacy, particularly given her identity as a woman of color. “It’s electrifying to see a candidate who looks like me vying for the highest office,” Gillis told AFP.
“African American women, in particular, have been steadfast advocates in the electoral process,” she stated. “Now, we are presented with an opportunity to elect someone with presidential stature.”
“I believe Trump deserves another chance,” said Marcus Wright, an African American visitor to Ghana who is contemplating making the move permanent. “His economic policies during his administration helped create jobs and provided a vital economic uplift for the US. I think he could replicate that success.”
However, some African Americans residing in Ghana feel that their attention on US politics might be misplaced. “I don’t care about the US elections,” declared Durah Davies, 65, who has spent the last 15 years in Ghana. “The United States has committed unspeakable atrocities, and its policies have historically oppressed Africans globally. My focus remains centered on Africa and the well-being of our people here.”
Ghana’s political future
For both Thorne and Gillis, the political trajectory of Ghana holds significance on par with the US elections. Ghana is gearing up for its own elections in December, with a fierce contest brewing between Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition’s John Mahama. Gillis firmly believes that whoever emerges victorious in Ghana must prioritize youth empowerment. “The continent’s future lies in the hands of its young people,” she asserted with conviction.
Having been granted citizenship just two years ago, Thorne is poised to cast his vote in Ghana for the very first time this December. “I feel like a genuine citizen now,” he expressed with enthusiasm. “My voice matters, and I’m thrilled to contribute to the future of my new home.”
