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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Even in the US there were clashes after the elections. We have seen people brutalised and some whites beaten up for voting for Trump. Also there are daily killing in all streets of the US across all the cities yet no country threaten to stop giving visas. Nobody was beaten in Ghana or killed even if there were misunderstandings so why this quick and harsh words? Even Ghaaians are better off staying in Ghana happily than thinking America is a safe haven. They are also suffering and some sleeping in streets in America.
Please Revoke Charlotte's visa( E.C CHAIR), John Mahama(OUT GOING PRESIDENT) and the so called Security Heads in this country who think they own Ghana and lets see how we are all going to survive.Because of John Mahama's dubious payment to WOYOME and his friends they(ndc) wanna cause mayhem. We live to SEE.
All Embassies in Ghana should revoke and deny visa's to EVERY Ghanaian if there is political unrest in the country. Once they all know that they can not FLY out of the country if there is civil unrest the leaders will sit up and prevent any mayhem from occurring in the country. The NDC leadership is looking on uncared as their boys cause mayhem in Ghana because they know they will leave to go and take their stolllen million abroad with them. DENY THEM ALL A VISA to LEAVE GHANA!!
The Opening paragraph tells you clearly who is at fault here and who is being scolded. Shame unto NDC !! "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.
Ghanaians are not just! Remember, Peace is a product of Justice. Since Ghanaians are dishonest and sycophants peace will continue to elude them. Once there is Justice, there will be Peace!!
Well done US Embassy....."way to go"!!!!!!!!
A warning to the NDC. Do not go attacking opponents homes and families. The Ndc must know that this time, the Npp are ready for them. They must know. Those days are over.
Asem the day your st*pid violent ndc party will care it may probably be too late. Gbagbo is now in where he never thought of being. This is a signal to those idi*ts who think they can intimidate and have their way whether the people like it or not,it will not happen for them. Thank God the super powers are talking,those who love democracy and hate dictatorship are coming out to speak. Whether you like it or not you will listen,You can't mess with America.I Love America home of the Brave.
What is USA to me? Apuuuuuuutooooooooooooo! Someone must tell the US Ambassador to stop that cheap talk that he is engaging in. To me, his assertion is not reasonable, unthinkable and too hollow in taste. What was in his mind when he was making those bogus comments? Ghanaians are reclaiming their destiny and you are talking about a denial of US Visas to Ghanaians? You must go and sin no more Mr. US Ambassador. Are you a Trump-like in Ghana?
I hope the bogus leaders of the evil party, NDC are listening. Inciting violence and turning around to blame their victims.