US warns country of significant visa restrictions; That’s why

In a stern warning to Ghana ahead of the general elections, the US State Department said anyone who undermines the strength of democracy in the country and creates any problems in the electoral system could end up facing significant visa restrictions in the US.

People who target and attempt to alter the democratic process in any way will face consequences from this measure, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, the Associated Press reported.

Ghana is set to hold its 9th general elections on December 7th. The country is known for its model of peace and transparent elections, but this year there have been allegations against the electoral system over alleged flaws in the voter lists.

Last month, Ghana’s largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), staged nationwide protests demanding a thorough audit of the voter registration register. The NDC said numerous unauthorized transfers and deletions of voters’ names were discovered, the AP reported.

The current president, Nana Akufo-Addo, is set to step down after serving two terms. Former President John Dramani Mahama of the NDC will be pitted against Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party in the upcoming elections.

This situation mirrors similar actions taken by the US State Department last year ahead of Nigeria’s general elections, during which it imposed visa restrictions on individuals deemed responsible for undermining Nigeria’s democracy.