Virginia Palmer, the United States Ambassador to Ghana, has justified the new visa restriction policy, which targets individuals who undermine democratic processes.
According to her, the new restrictions were implemented to prevent any individual responsible for undermining the country’s democracy from entering the United States.
Speaking to the media during a US elections watch party in Accra, the Ambassador stated that Ghana is the fourth African country to have announced this restriction.
“It’s not directed at the government of Ghana or particular political party, but we cannot just refuse visas but revoke visas for people who undermine or interfere with Ghana’s democratic process” the Ambassador said.
“I think it’s a very useful tool to have. I hope I don’t have to use it. I hope it will deter bad behaviour and hate speech. And I hope that I’ll call again for, you know, early signing of the peace pact.
Ambassador Palmer called for decorum ahead of the December elections saying “it’s a tool we have available. You’ll see more of it around the world. Ghana’s not singled out, nor is the government of Ghana or any political party, but we are not afraid to use it if there are any parties, any people or parties, that undermine your democracy.”
Background
The US has revealed a new plan to protect Ghana’s democracy.
The new visa restriction policy the US announced will affect persons who will undermine the democracy of the country ahead of the elections, during, and after the entire process.
“The Department of State is announcing a new visa restriction policy today that will restrict U.S. visas for any individual responsible for undermining democracy in Ghana. This policy will take effect in advance of Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled to take place December 7, 2024.”
The press release issued by the Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, said the “United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Ghana and around the world.
It stated that the 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.”
“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.
The statement further read: “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.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
