The United States (US) government has recently introduced a new visa restriction policy aimed at individuals believed to be undermining democracy in Ghana, especially in the context of the crucial December 7, 2024 general election.
The aim is to encourage a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process by targeting those believed to be involved in electoral manipulation, violence or actions that suppress freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression.
The policy affects specific individuals involved and their immediate family members.Announcing the policy, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken stated that the measure was not intended to affect the general public or the Ghanaian government.
Instead, it specifically focuses on individuals whose actions threaten the democratic process.The US has previously implemented similar visa restrictions in other nations to safeguard democratic integrity.