Ahead of the December 7 polls, the United States of America (USA) has announced a new policy that will restrict US visas for any individual responsible for undermining democracy in the country
The US Department of State, which issued the directive, explained that the visa restriction policy was pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and allowed the Department of State to implement visa restrictions for individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in undermining democracy in Ghana.
Such individuals, as explained in the statement, included persons who were undermining democracy “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.”
“It would also affect persons engaging in any other activity designed to improperly influence the conduct or outcome of an election.
The restrictions, which were announced yesterday by the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, said it was part of the US’ commitment to support and advance democracy in Ghana.
It added that the measure would take effect ahead of the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2024.