Election 2024: Ban visas for warmongers — Akpaloo to foreign embassies
The presidential candidate of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Kofi Akpaloo, has urged foreign countries to implement visa restrictions on individuals who attempt to disrupt the upcoming December 7 elections in Ghana.
Mr. Akpaloo argues that such a move would serve as a strong deterrent against electoral misconduct by barring offenders from travelling abroad. Thus, it would promote accountability and discourage actions that undermine Ghana’s democratic process.
His call comes in the wake of a recent decision by the US to impose visa restrictions on individuals involved in anti-democratic activities.
Announced on Monday, October 28, the U.S. policy, under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, specifically targets individuals engaged in actions that threaten democratic integrity without affecting the general Ghanaian public or its government.
Addressing the media, Mr Akpaloo disclosed that he has already appealed to U.S. Ambassador Virginia Evelyn Palmer to encourage European embassies to adopt similar policies.
He believes that a coordinated international stance would bolster the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system and foster a culture of responsibility among political actors and stakeholders.
By advocating for these measures, Akpaloo underscores his commitment to free, fair, and credible elections in Ghana.
“Looking at the way things are going, I think this election is going to be more peaceful. Recently, we all heard from the American Embassy that anybody who is going to cause chaos will be denied a Visa to travel outside the country.
“I spoke to the American ambassador as I was seated beside her to ask the European counterpart to also issue the same statement, and she said yes, she is going to do that very soon, and she believes the British high commission is going to follow suit.”