Appiah-Kubi backs U.S. visa restrictions on election trouble makers
Accra, Ghana - October 30, 2024 - Chairman of Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has thrown his weight behind the U.S.-imposed visa restrictions aimed at preventing individuals from disrupting Ghana's upcoming December elections.
This move by the U.S. Embassy in Ghana targets those who engage in election-related offenses such as voter intimidation, interference, and coercive tactics.
Appiah-Kubi emphasized the need for Ghana's political actors to respect democratic norms and processes, stressing that a free, fair, and transparent election is crucial for the country's stability and progress.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, he urged political leaders and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly during the election period.
“No country wants to welcome criminals. Personally, I agree with them because let’s all live up to our constitutional requirements, follow a democratic path and make sure the country survives whatever event the country undertakes.
“So I agree with them that they should not open their doors to people who cause confusion somewhere and want to run from it into a safe area.
“So it is implied and they have just voiced it out as a warning to all of us, particularly those of us in the political space.”
The visa restrictions will also apply to close family members of those found guilty of election-related offenses, signaling a broader effort to uphold electoral integrity. This measure serves as a warning to individuals who might attempt to undermine Ghana's democratic process.
