By James Amoh Junior
Accra, Oct. 28, GNA – The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy, targeting individuals involved in activities that undermine Ghana’s democratic processes.
This move, aimed at supporting democratic governance in Ghana, was disclosed in a press statement by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Monday, October 28, 2024.
The visa restriction policy, set to take effect ahead of Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, will be applied to specific individuals who threaten Ghana’s democratic principles.
The restrictions apply to actions taken in the lead-up to, during, and following Ghana’s 2024 elections.
According to Mr. Blinken, the policy is not directed at the Ghanaian people or the government but at individuals who may be responsible for electoral manipulation, violence, intimidation, or any activities that undermine the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.
“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 statement read.
Mr Blinken said, “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.”
The policy, the Department of State said, was in pursuant of Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, which allowed visa restrictions on those believed to be involved in, or complicit in, undermining democratic processes.
This includes “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; 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 Department of State clarified that family members of individuals found complicit could also face visa restrictions.
“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.”
GNA