US Visa Restriction: Ghana Not Being Targeted- US Envoy
The Ambassador of the United States of America to Ghana, H.E Virginia Palmer has assured that the institution of the new policy restricting US visas for any individual responsible for undermining democracy in Ghana in the lead up to the general election is not directed at the country or any political party.
According to her, Ghana is the fourth African country to have that policy instituted while it is already enforced in Europe and Latin America.
Speaking to the media on November 6, she noted that it aims to deter bad behaviour and hate speech.
“It’s not directed at the government of Ghana or at particular political parties but we cannot just refuse visas but revoke visas of people who undermine or interfere in Ghana’s democratic process. I think it’s a very useful tool to have. I hope it will deter bad behaviour and hate speech.”
She continued, “It’s a tool we have and it’s going to be seen around the world. Ghana is not being 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 or people that undermine the democracy.”
The US Department of State issued the policy pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and allowed the Department of State last week.
It borders around 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.
“It would also affect persons engaging in any other activity designed to improperly influence the conduct or outcome of an election.”
It added, “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.”
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
