Visa Restriction Policy for Ghana from the US

Ahead of the December presidential and legislative elections in the West African nation, Ghana, the United States announced on Monday, October 28, through the Department of State a policy restricting visas for anyone Americans believe to be responsible for undermining democracy in Ghana. 

In a statement, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said "This visa restriction policy would apply only to specific individuals who undermine democracy and is not directed at the Ghanaian people nor the government of Ghana."

Mr. blinken wrote in the statement: The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Ghana and around the world. The Department of State is announcing a new visa restriction policy today that will restrict US visas for any individual responsible for underminig democracy in Ghana. 

This policy wukk take effect in advance of Ghana's presidential and parlaimentary elections scheduled to tke place December 7, 2024. 

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. 

The visa restriction policy is intended solely for individuals whose speech or actions pose a threat to the peaceful democratic framework in Ghana. It is not aimed at the Ghanaian populace or the Government of Ghana. 

Ghana has achieved three decades of democratic elections and the peaceful transfer of power between parties - a record to be proud of and honor dearly. The United States' readiness to impose visa restrictions if circumstances warrant is an example of America's support for the aspirations of all Ghanaians for a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process that reflects the will of the people. 

This visa restriction policy is in accordance with Section 212(a)(3)(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, enabling the Department of State to enact visa restrictions on individuals deemed responsible for, or complicit in, actions that compromise democracy in Ghana. This includes the manipulation or adjusting of the electoral process, employing tactics intended to intimidate, coerce, or obstruct political party representatives, voters, or members of civil society and the media from expressing or sharing their opinions, as well as participating in any other activities aimed at improperly influencing the conduct or outcome of an election. 

These limitations might also apply to some of these individuals' relatives. According to this policy, anyone who threatens Ghana's democracy, including before, during, and after the country's 2024 elections, may not be granted a visa.