The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has welcomed the new visa restriction policy announced by the United States.
The US Department of State’s new policy will restrict U.S. visas for any individual responsible for undermining democracy in Ghana.
Executive Director of MFWA, Sulemana Braimah, described this as a significant development that will keep Ghanaian politicians on their toes.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, Mr. Braimah explained that perpetrators will be forced to act with moderation due to the potential impact on their activities.
He made these comments following the announcement by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday.
The United States said it is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Ghana and around the world.
The communiqué explained that the visa restriction policy would apply only to specific individuals who undermine democracy and is not directed at the Ghanaian people nor the Government of Ghana.
“The United States’ readiness to impose visa restrictions if circumstances warrant is an example of our support for the aspirations of all Ghanaians for a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process that reflects the will of the people,” the October 28 statement added.
The MFWA boss also urged other western countries to apply similar modalities in place.
He claimed that this move will ensure some accountability in Ghana’s politics as the US continues to be a major destination for Ghanaian travellers.
