Founder and flagbearer of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Percival Kofi Akpaloo has okayed the new US visa restriction policy that will restrict U.S visas for any individual responsible for undermining democracy in Ghana.
The policy will take effect in advance of Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled to take place December, 7, 2024.
Mr. Kofi Kofi Akpaloo visited the Manhyia palace on Wednesday, 20th April 2024 where he paid a courtesy call on the overlord of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Meeting U.S Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Virginia E. Palmer at the palace, the LPG presidential candidate in a cozy conversation pleaded on her to talk to her European counterparts in Ghana to replicate the policy.
Addressing the press after paying the courtesy call on the Asantehene, Mr. Akpaloo underlined the restriction by the US Embassy as appropriate, explaining that the move will compel trouble makers to do the right thing.
“If you have nowhere to hide or run to, this policy will compel you to do the right thing”.
He admonished supporters and leadership of the various political parties in Ghana to refrain from actions that can destabilize the peace in Ghana.
“This country is for everyone. If you win this elections fantastic but if you don’t win, wait and comeback another time”.
Visa Restriction Policy
This visa restriction policy is pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and allows the Department of State to implement visa restrictions for individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Ghana, including through the manipulation or rigging of the electoral process; the use of violence to intimidate, coerce or prevent people from exercising their rights to freedoms of association and peaceful assembly; the use of measures designed to intimidate, coerce or prevent political party representatives, voters, or members of civil society or the media from voicing or disseminating their views; or engaging in any other activity designed to improperly influence the conduct or outcome of an election. Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Persons who undermine democracy in Ghana — including in the lead-up to, during, and following Ghana’s 2024 elections may be found to be ineligible for visas under this policy.
