Granting Diasporans voting rights in Ghana long overdue — Dr Akuu
Diasporans deserve full participation in Ghana’s electoral process — Dr. Akuu
Dr. Joshua Akuu, the Western Sydney Organizer for the Australia/New Zealand Chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has joined growing calls for Ghanaians living abroad to be granted the right to vote in Ghanaian elections, describing the move as long overdue.
According to him, Ghanaians in the diaspora have over the years contributed immensely to the country’s political development through fundraising, policy engagement, and other forms of support, and therefore should not be sidelined during elections.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Monday, May 11, Dr. Akuu called for reforms to Ghana’s current legal framework to enable citizens living abroad to participate fully in the electoral process.
“If diasporans contribute both financially and intellectually to support their political parties, nothing should prevent them from exercising their voting rights,” he stated.
He further noted that concerns about the credibility of diaspora votes could be addressed through the strengthening of Ghana’s electoral systems and the implementation of robust measures to curb electoral malpractice.
Dr. Akuu also weighed in on the debate over whether Ghanaians with dual citizenship should be allowed to occupy certain political positions in the country.
He argued that such individuals should not be denied the opportunity to serve Ghana.
According to him, many Ghanaians abroad acquire foreign citizenship primarily for economic and legal reasons, particularly to secure opportunities to live and work freely in their host countries.
“Most of these people seek citizenship abroad mainly for legitimacy to live and work without restrictions. It is largely for economic reasons,” he explained.
He stressed that Ghanaians living abroad remain committed to the development of their homeland and should not face discrimination because of their citizenship status.
“Every Ghanaian abroad has the development of the country at heart and must be given the opportunity to contribute fully to national progress,” he added.
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