The United States has announced visa restriction “for any individual responsible for undermining democracy in Ghana” ahead of the West African country’s presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for 7 December 2024.
A statement on Monday by the U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, said the policy is with “immediate effect.”
“The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Ghana and around the world. This visa restriction policy would apply only to specific individuals who undermine democracy and is not directed at the Ghanaian people nor the Government of Ghana,” the statement added.
It noted that “Ghana has achieved three decades of democratic elections and the peaceful transfer of power between parties – a record to be proud of and a model to cherish. The United States’ readiness to impose visa restrictions if circumstances warrant is an example of our support for the aspirations of all Ghanaians for a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process that reflects the will of the people.”
According to the statement, “this visa restriction policy is pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the Department of State to implement visa restrictions for individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Ghana, including through the manipulation or rigging of the electoral process; the use of violence to intimidate, coerce or prevent people from exercising their rights to freedoms of association and peaceful assembly.”
Also listed are the “use of measures designed to intimidate, coerce or prevent political party representatives, voters, or members of civil society or the media from voicing or disseminating their views; or engaging in any other activity designed to improperly influence the conduct or outcome of an election,” the statement affirmed.
It added: “Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Persons who undermine democracy in Ghana – including in the lead-up to, during, and following Ghana’s 2024 elections may be found to be ineligible for visas under this policy.”
