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In a move signaling heightened scrutiny over Ghana’s upcoming elections, the United States on Monday imposed visa restrictions on individuals believed to be actively undermining democratic principles in the West African nation.
The policy, introduced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, aimed to target those specifically involved in actions threatening the fairness and integrity of Ghana’s electoral process, set to take place in December.
“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,” Blinken saidin a formal statement, emphasizing that the new restrictions would not affect ordinary Ghanaians or the country’s administration. Instead, the policy seeks to hold accountable those allegedly engaged in activities like voter suppression, election violence, and spreading misinformation—practices that compromise the democratic process.
Ghana, often celebrated as a stable democracy in a region with periodic political unrest, now faces scrutiny as concerns grow over election-related interference. Ghanaian voters are preparing to elect a new president and parliamentary representatives in December.
The U.S. has employed similar visa restrictions in past elections across other African countries, including Nigeria and Uganda, where reports of election-related violence and voter intimidation raised international alarm. The move aligns with a broader U.S. foreign policy objective: to promote and protect democratic processes worldwide, especially in nations with close tiesto the U.S.
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