US vows to visa ban individual undermining Ghana’s upcoming election

By Blessing Chinagorom

The United States has announced a new policy that will restrict visas for any individual responsible for undermining democracy in Ghana.

Secretary of State, Antony Blinken who disclosed this in a statement released on Monday stated that this policy will take effect in advance of Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled to take place December 7, 2024.
He said this visa restriction policy would apply only to specific individuals who undermine democracy and are not directed at the Ghanaian people nor the Government of Ghana.

According to him, “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”, he said.

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.
Which includes 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, the use of measures designed to intimidate, coerce or prevent political party representatives, voters, or members of civil society or the media from disseminating their views; or engaging in any other activity designed to improperly influence conduct or outcome of an election.

While 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.