US issues visa warning ahead of Ghana's December elections
- The U.S. State Department warned of restrictions on visas for those undermining Ghana's democracy ahead of its elections.
- Ghana's National Democratic Congress raised concerns about voter roll irregularities, alleging unauthorized changes.
- The upcoming elections will significantly impact Ghana's democratic integrity and political landscape.
Ghana is set to hold its ninth consecutive general election on December 7, 2024, a significant mark since its return to multi-party democracy in 1992. The U.S. State Department has issued a statement warning of possible visa restrictions for individuals deemed to be undermining the nation’s democratic processes as concerns about electoral integrity arise. Recently, the National Democratic Congress, the leading opposition party, alleged numerous irregularities in the voter registration process, prompting extensive public protests for an audit. These allegations come at a time when the current president, Akufo-Addo, is stepping down after completing his two-term limit, with former President John Dramani Mahama challenging Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in the forthcoming election. The U.S. emphasizes that its visa policy will target individuals specifically and not the broader population or the government of Ghana, reinforcing its commitment to support fair electoral practices.