Ghana Elections: US introduces visa ban on democracy saboteurs
Accra, Ghana - October 28, 2024 - The United States Department of State has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals who undermine Ghana's democratic processes, ahead of the country's presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024.
This move aims to support Ghanaians' aspirations for a fair, peaceful, and transparent electoral process.
According to a press release by, Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, the “United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Ghana and around the world. “
"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 October 28 statement added.
Find the rest of the statement below:
"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."
Policy Details
The policy, effective immediately, restricts U.S. visas for individuals responsible for actions that disrupt Ghana's democratic integrity, including:
- Manipulating the electoral process
- Using violence or intimidation against voters or political representatives
- Preventing freedoms of association or assembly
- Improperly influencing the election's outcome
Family members of such individuals may also face visa restrictions.
US Commitment to Democracy
The U.S. statement highlights Ghana's impressive democratic record, with three decades of peaceful power transitions. By imposing these visa restrictions, the U.S. reinforces its commitment to advancing democratic values worldwide and preventing manipulation or violence in Ghana's electoral process.
Global Implications
This policy underscores Washington's dedication to upholding dtremocratic integrity, sending a clear warning to individuals who might undermine Ghanaian democracy leading up to, during, or following the 2024 elections.
The U.S. has previously implemented similar visa restriction policies in other countries, such as Sierra Leone, to promote democratic elections.
Source: Florence Kyei /Lead News Online
