You are subscribed to Africa for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Visa Restriction Policy on Undermining Democracy in Ghana 10/28/2024 10:38 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Visa Restriction Policy on Undermining Democracy in Ghana hide Visa Restriction Policy on Undermining Democracy in Ghana Press Statement October 28, 2024 The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Ghana and around the world.  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.   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.  Ghana has achieved three decades of democratic elections and the peaceful transfer of power between parties – a record to be proud of and a model to cherish.  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. 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. Tags Africa Bureau of African Affairs Bureau of Consular Affairs Democracy Ghana Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Stay connected with the State Department: External links found in this content or on Department of State websites that go to other non-Department websites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.  Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This email was sent to caterresearch9.news@blogger.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Department of State · 2201 C Street NW · Washington, DC 20520