By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The United States on Monday announced a visa restriction policy for individuals it accused of undermining democracy in Ghana, ahead of the December presidential and parliamentary elections in the West African country.
“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,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement posted on Department of State website.
Blinken reiterated the commitment of the United States to supporting and advancing democracy in Ghana and around the world.
The policy he noted, will take effect in advance of Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled to take place December 7, 2024.
“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”, Blinken noted.
Department of State says the restriction is pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 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.
Ghana’s two leading candidates for December’s presidential election are intensifying campaign by preaching their policies and promises to voters.
Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia, from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), is facing off against John Dramani Mahama from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who served as Ghana’s President between 2013-2017.
Mahama is making his third attempt at securing the country’s top job, after unsuccessful attempts in 2016 and 2020 elections.
He lost to outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has served the maximum two teams in office. He is not in the running for this year’s vote.
