US warns citizens over Ghana’s elections

Warden Message - Ghana Elections

U.S. Embassy Accra

This warden message is being issued to remind U.S. citizens that Ghana will hold presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, 2008. In the event that no presidential candidate receives a majority of votes, a runoff election is required within three weeks. U.S. citizens should be aware of the possibility of demonstrations and other civil disturbances surrounding election activities during this campaign period, especially in urban areas. These disturbances will not likely target U.S. citizens, but it is possible for U.S. citizens to become accidentally involved. U.S. citizens are advised to monitor local media, to be aware of local events, and to avoid large crowds and political rallies or demonstrations.

U.S. citizens residing in or planning travel to Ghana should regularly check the Department’s Country Specific Information for Ghana at http://travel.state.gov and the U.S. Embassy Accra website at http://ghana.usembassy.gov for the latest safety and security information. Please also refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov for additional safety and security information. U.S. citizens planning travel to Ghana are advised to register their presence with the U.S. Embassy at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov . In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.

This information is provided by the American Citizen Services Unit, U.S. Embassy Accra, Ghana; Telephone: 021-741-000, 021-741-449/443/071; Fax: 021-741-362/426; e-mail: acsaccra@state.gov; website: http://ghana.usembassy.gov.