Visa restrictions by the US against undemocratic Ghanaians are welcome, says Ablakwa

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the North Tongu member of parliament, has praised the United States' new visa restrictions that target those and their close family members who are determined to be harming Ghanaian democracy. The lawmaker stated in a Facebook post that such an endeavor will prevent illegal activities in the nation, particularly at the period when Ghana is getting ready for elections.

The US Secretary of State made a very welcome statement. He wrote: "Those misguided, unpatriotic elements who believe they can manipulate elections, incite violence, and subvert the will of the Ghanaian people in order to flee to other countries with their families are very likely to reconsider."

Aiming to advance democracy in Ghana, the U.S. policy will take effect immediately and will be in place prior to the country's December 7, 2024, presidential and legislative elections. This move, which is not aimed against the Ghanaian people or the Ghanaian government, would specifically target those who take activities that jeopardize democratic ideals. Ghana's three decades of democratic elections and peaceful handovers of power are a model that should be preserved, according to a U.S. Department of State statement.

The United States reaffirmed its support for Ghanaians' hopes for an open, legitimate, and peaceful election process while warning that visa restrictions may be imposed if needed to ensure a free and fair election that represents the choice of the people.

The Immigration and Nationality Act's Section 212(a)(3)(C) authorizes the Department of State to impose visa restrictions on those who are thought to be accountable for or complicit in undermining Ghana's democracy, including through election tampering or manipulation; the use of violence to intimidate, coerce, or prevent people from exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and association; the use of measures intended to intimidate, coerce, or prevent voters, political party representatives, members of civil society, or members of the media from expressing or disse their opinions; or participating in anyother actions intended to improperly affect how an election is conducted or turns out. 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.