In the heart of Accra, Ghana, shop owner Jimmie Thorne sports a scarf featuring Kamala Harris as he tunes into the latest US election coverage. At 70 years old, Thorne represents a unique group of African American voters keenly following the presidential race from afar.
Ghana’s initiative to encourage the African diaspora to reconnect with their roots began in 2019, coinciding with the “Year of Return,” which marked 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in Virginia. This movement has led many African Americans to find a new home in Ghana, cultivating a sense of belonging.
President Nana Akufo-Addo launched this program, which attracted numerous high-profile visitors, including Steve Harvey, Samuel L. Jackson, and Usher, further enhancing Ghana’s status as a premier tourist destination.
For those who have chosen to settle permanently in Ghana, a dual identity often emerges. Many continue to participate in US elections, influencing their friends and family back home through advocacy and social media. Thorne is a prime example of this engagement, proudly wearing a stars-and-stripes shirt amidst Democratic Party memorabilia.
“I’m voting for Kamala Harris because democracy is at stake,” Thorne asserted. “She is undoubtedly the better choice.”
Concerns About Trump
Thorne worries about the implications of a Donald Trump victory for both the US and Africa. “If Trump wins, it’s bad news for Africa,” he said, recalling his past derogatory remarks about African nations.
Other African American voters in Ghana echo Thorne’s support for Harris. Delia Gillis, an emeritus professor of Africana Studies who relocated to Ghana in 2019, expressed excitement about Harris’s candidacy. “It’s inspiring to see someone who looks like me running for the highest office,” she remarked. “African American women have been pivotal in the election process, and now we have a chance to elect someone with presidential qualities.”
Diverse Opinions
Not everyone shares support for Harris. Marcus Wright, an African American visitor contemplating a permanent move, believes Trump deserves another chance. “His economic policies helped create jobs and boost the economy,” Wright stated. “I think he could do it again.”
Conversely, some African Americans in Ghana feel that focusing on US politics is unproductive. Durah Davies, a 65-year-old resident of Ghana for 15 years, commented, “I don’t care about US elections. The US has historically oppressed Africans globally. My focus is on Africa and the well-being of our people here.”
Looking Ahead
For Thorne and Gillis, Ghana’s political landscape is just as crucial as the US elections. With Ghana’s own elections approaching in December, the competition between Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party and opposition leader John Mahama is heating up. Gillis believes that the winner must prioritize youth empowerment. “The future of the continent lies with its young people,” she emphasized.
Having gained citizenship two years ago, Thorne is set to vote in Ghana for the first time this December. “I feel like a true citizen now,” he said. “My voice matters, and I’m excited to contribute to the future of my new home.”
