Millions of Ghanaians live outside the country, in London, New York, Toronto, Johannesburg and beyond. They send money home, follow Ghanaian politics closely and often argue about elections on social media. But on election day, most of them cannot vote unless they travel back to Ghana. In 2006, Parliament passed a law meant to change that: the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, known as ROPAA. Twenty years later, it has still not been implemented, and the debate over why continues.
The law, the vote and the objections
ROPAA amended Ghana’s electoral law to allow citizens living abroad to register and vote in national elections. The bill was passed in 2006 under President John Kufuor’s government. The opposition National Democratic Congress strongly opposed it and walked out. Opponents argued that it would be hard to verify voters abroad and feared the system could be manipulated.
Supporters said Ghanaians abroad have the same constitutional right to vote as those at home, and that their contributions to the economy deserve recognition. The Electoral Commission is responsible for putting the law into practice. It has cited costs, logistics and the need for consultation.
Voting abroad, challenges and fears
Some groups, such as diplomats and certain public servants abroad, have long been able to vote under special arrangements. Diaspora groups have gone to court to push the Electoral Commission to implement the law. Many African countries, including Senegal and Cape Verde, allow citizens abroad to vote in some form. Ghanaians abroad send large sums home every year, supporting families and investment.
Each major party has at times worried that diaspora votes might favour the other side. Proposals have included voting at embassies and high commissions, or starting with a few countries with large Ghanaian communities.
Still waiting and the numbers
As each election approaches, the question of diaspora voting returns to the headlines. The longer the delay, the more frustrated many Ghanaians abroad feel. Nobody knows exactly how many Ghanaians live abroad, and that uncertainty is part of the problem. Without reliable figures, planning registration centres and ballot printing overseas is difficult. Some supporters have suggested biometric registration at missions abroad, building on systems already used in Ghana.
ROPAA was signed into law in 2006. Since then Ghana has held several general elections, and none of them used it.
