The United States (U.S.) government has introduced visa restrictions aimed at individuals involved in actions that could undermine Ghana’s democratic processes.
This move is part of the United States’ commitment to supporting democracy worldwide and will apply to those engaged in election-related manipulation, intimidation, or violence, including certain family members of those directly involved.
Announced on the U.S. Department of State’s website, the policy underscores that these restrictions are part of Washington’s broader effort to discourage actions that could disrupt Ghana’s upcoming elections on December 7, 2024.
Under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, these restrictions target those “believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Ghana.” This includes potential sanctions for those engaged in election rigging, voter intimidation, suppression of freedoms of assembly, or other tactics that may unfairly sway electoral outcomes.
The U.S. emphasised the importance of Ghana’s history of peaceful and democratic power transitions and intends these restrictions to align with the country’s aspirations for a free, fair, and transparent election process.
The statement underscored that the policy would extend to individuals at any stage in the election cycle, before, during, or after the voting process.
“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,” it added.
The move has drawn support from Ghanaian leaders, including North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
He welcomed the U.S. action as a critical step in safeguarding Ghana’s democracy. In a social media post, Ablakwa stated that the policy could serve as a deterrent to those considering unlawful actions during the election period. “A most welcome statement from the U.S. Secretary of State,” he wrote.
“Those misguided unpatriotic elements who think they can instigate violence, rig elections and subvert the will of the Ghanaian people only to escape with their families to other countries are very likely to rethink,” he added.
As Ghana prepares for its elections, the U.S. has reaffirmed its stance against any threats to democratic integrity, with a clear warning that those who compromise this process could face visa ineligibility.