The statement explains that the US understands that elections are not just events, but processes that require ongoing support and protection.
The US government has placed visa restrictions on people perceived to be undermining democracy in Ghana.
In a statement dated October 28, 2024, and signed by the US Secretary of State, Anthony J. Blinken, the U.S. government says, “The Department of State is announcing a new visa restriction policy today that will restrict U.S. visas for any individual responsible for undermining democracy in Ghana. This policy will take effect in advance of Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled to take place December 7, 2024.”
The statement stressed that “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.”
According to the statement, the United States is committed to supporting Ghana’s democratic process, and as part of this commitment, it is willing to impose visa restrictions if necessary to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible election that truly reflects the will of the Ghanaian people.
Hence, the present visa stand is in line with the US’s broader efforts to advance democracy globally, recognizing that free and fair elections are essential for strong, responsive democracies. By taking a firm stance on electoral integrity, the US aims to promote transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, ultimately contributing to Ghana’s stability and prosperity.
The statement explains that the US understands that elections are not just events, but processes that require ongoing support and protection.
In Ghana’s case, the US’s readiness to impose visa restrictions serves as a deterrent against potential electoral irregularities and underscores their commitment to supporting the aspirations of all Ghanaians for a democratic and peaceful electoral process.
BELOW IS THE US PRESS STATEMENT ON VISA RESTRICTIONS ON DEMOCRACY UNDERMINERS IN GHANA:
Visa Restriction Policy on Undermining Democracy in Ghana
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Press Statement
October 28, 2024
The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Ghana and around the world. The Department of State is announcing a new visa restriction policy today that will restrict U.S. visas for any individual responsible for undermining democracy in Ghana. This policy will take effect in advance of Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled to take place December 7, 2024.
This visa restriction policy would apply only to specific individuals who undermine democracy and is not directed at the Ghanaian people or the Government of Ghana. 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.
This visa restriction policy is pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and 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; 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. 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.
Story: Oppong Baah
