Andy Appiah-Kubi, the chairman of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has supported the United States’ decision to restrict visas for those seeking to tamper with Ghana’s election process in advance of the December polls.
The U.S. Embassy in Ghana issued the visa restrictions in an effort to discourage election-related offences such voter intimidation, meddling, and coercive techniques.
As a sign of a larger attempt to preserve electoral integrity, the limitations will also apply to close relatives of individuals convicted of such crimes.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, October 29, Appiah-Kubi expressed strong support for the U.S. move, emphasizing the need for political actors in Ghana to respect democratic norms and processes.
The necessity of a free, fair, and transparent election was highlighted by him, who also pointed out that attempts to rig the results endanger Ghana’s democracy and damage the nation’s standing internationally.
Appiah-Kubi also urged all political leaders and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly during the election period, stressing that adherence to democratic principles is essential for Ghana’s stability and progress.
“No country wants to welcome criminals. Personally, I agree with them because let’s all live up to our constitutional requirements, follow a democratic path and make sure the country survives whatever event the country undertakes.
“So I agree with them that they should not open their doors to people who cause confusion somewhere and want to run from it into a safe area.
“So it is implied and they have just voiced it out as a warning to all of us, particularly those of us in the political space.”
Source: Citinewsroom.com