The United States Embassy in Ghana says it will not hesitate to "consider" the option of "denying and revoking visas" to Ghanaians who incite political violence.
Whiles acknowledging that campaigns can "be vigorous and sometimes contentious" the Embassy voiced out its condemnation of "political violence in Ghana, especially any violent acts directed at political candidates, their homes or families".
It has therefore called on all political "actors to remain peaceful and respect the democratic process."
In a statement issued hours after a clash between some supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), in front of the Nima residence the NPP Flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, during a health walk organised by the former, the US Embassy, whiles touting the country's tradition of peaceful, democratic elections, pointed out that "the government of the United States does not support a particular candidate or a particular party. We support democracy."
"In the period leading up to and following Ghana’s elections on December 7, we call on all actors to remain peaceful and respect the democratic process. We encourage all parties to make it clear to their constituents that any violence or attempts to use intimidation to disrupt the democratic process is unacceptable.
The United States will consider all options to hold responsible those who incite political violence, including denying or revoking visas," the statement partly read.
Read the full statement below
STATEMENT ON THE PEACEFUL ELECTORAL PROCESS IN GHANA
ACCRA, GHANA - The United States condemns all political violence in Ghana, especially any violent acts directed at political candidates, their homes or families. While campaigns can be vigorous and sometimes contentious, violence has no place in the electoral process.
In the period leading up to and following Ghana’s elections on December 7, we call on all actors to remain peaceful and respect the democratic process. We encourage all parties to make it clear to their constituents that any violence or attempts to use intimidation to disrupt the democratic process is unacceptable.
The United States will consider all options to hold responsible those who incite political violence, including denying or revoking visas. The United States applauds Ghana’s tradition of peaceful, democratic elections.
The international community is working with the Electoral Commission, National and Regional Peace Councils, NGOs, civil society organizations, the media, the police and others to support Ghana’s efforts to hold credible and nonviolent presidential elections. We urge all to participate peacefully in the democratic process—before, during and after Election Day.
The government of the United States does not support a particular candidate or a particular party. We support democracy. We will continue to work with the freely elected government of Ghana, just as we always have.
Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
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Actually Ghanaians are lost. Instead of condemning this arrogance of the white man we are rather insulting one another. Who says Americans are not violent? Why are they demonstrating against their own decision?
This will be a good idea if only the US ambassador and the UK high commission will add all members of the EC to this ban for it is becoming clear that the EC is in bed with the NDC to rig the 2016 elections. Please be bold and tame the EC with this sanction.
NDC seems to be holding the the patent right to violence. I believe the attach on the residence of Nana Addo was well planned to create the impression that Nana Addo is nothing in Ghana. Unwise on the part of the NDC, they did not think through the possible reaction from the international community. The principle is that NDC can not absolve itself from blame by taking political activities to the private residence of the of the leading opposition leader in the country. NDC has shot itself in the foot.
Don't destroy GHANA on political lines. Is SICK to do that. Those leaders will enjoy with their families whereas you do the Damages.
NOT ONLY WILL THE US REVOKE AND DENY VISA FOR VIOLENT PERPETRATORS THEY WILL FACE DEN.HAAQ.THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT. THEY WILL BE INCARCERATED LIKE CHARLES TAYLOR OR LAWRENCE BABO.ONLY TIME WILL TELL.
DO not talk like an idioooot no one will bring war to Ghana . Mahama and NDC should know that Ghanaian are not cowards.
Tell your party and Nana Addo Trump who remains the most touring presidential candidate the world has ever seen to sit home if you think the government hasn't done anything. The people will decide
It is only in Ghana that a party in power engages in actions to court public sympathy for political gain. This is because, the ruling party is jittery and afraid of its shadow. If you have done all that there is to do as a government, you will just relax for people to tout your achievements. The intimidation of the opposition leader and his supporters will not be necessary.
This is a big concocted lie by NPP to deceive the public. I believe this time around since they dont have dead female bodies to be splashing around they have resorted to this. BNI should investigate. Are the embassies not supposed to be dealing with the government?
Adams Asiedu Portufi koku Solomon Nkansah Montie 3 Ibrahim Collins Dauda BawA Morgtari have you heard hmmmmmn. Read the statement well ooooo. US/ UK are aware already ooooo