By Francis Akuetteh- Chicago.
Something troubling is stirring beneath the surface of the Ghana National Council’s (GNC) presidential elections, an undercurrent of division that threatens the very spirit of volunteerism and unity upon which the Council was founded. What began as a routine democratic exercise is now showing signs of polarization, with whispers of “us versus them” echoing through community conversations and private gatherings.
Recently, a concerned member of our community reached out after overhearing a disheartening exchange. Friends, once bound by shared heritage and communal pride,were speaking disparagingly about a candidate and expressing resentment toward those who support the candidate . The tone was not one of healthy debate, but of tribalism and political patronage . The implication was clear: loyalty to one candidate now invites suspicion, even hostility.
This is not the Ghanaian or Chicago way. Nor is it the American democratic ideal we’ve embraced in our diaspora journey. In a free society, the right to choose freely, respectfully, and without intimidation,is sacred. Elections are not battlegrounds for personal vendettas or partisan maneuvering. They are opportunities to affirm our shared values, to elevate leaders who serve with humility, and to strengthen the institutions that bind us.
Yet, troubling signs persist. A few weeks ago, members of a Ghanaian political fraternity reportedly converged on an emergency meeting of the GNC, rallying in support of their member. The optics were unsettling. Why inject political machinery into a nonprofit, apolitical organization , whose sole mission is to elect volunteers to steer its affairs?
We must ask ourselves: What are we modeling for the next generation of Ghanaian Americans? What legacy are we building? What is the purpose ? The Ghana National Council is not a partisan playground; it is a sacred space for cultural stewardship, advocacy, and unity. Its presidency is not a prize to be won at all costs by adherents of a political party, but a responsibility to be earned through service, integrity, and communal trust.
To question a candidate’s Ghanaian identity or fluency in Twi is not just below the belt, it’s a betrayal of the inclusive values our community stands for, and a dangerous distraction from the real measure of leadership.
Let us lower the temperature. Let us honor the two candidates, both selfless leaders, who have volunteered their time, energy, and dignity to serve us. Let us reject the politics of division and embrace the grace of democratic choice.
Support who you believe in. Respect who others choose. And above all, protect the soul of our Community .
Because when we lose our unity, we lose everything.
Win or lose, we remain bound by a shared destiny, and no election should fracture the fellowship we currently enjoy . It’s time to rise above the noise. Enough is enough.
