Sulemana Braimah calls on more Western countries to impose visa restrictions on persons who undermine Ghana’s democracy

MFWA Executive Director, Mr. Sulemana Braimah

The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has welcomed the U.S. State Department’s decision to announce a new Visa Restriction Policy against persons who undermine Ghana’s democracy as the general elections approach.

The new policy announced on Monday, October 28, will restrict U.S. visas for any individual responsible for undermining democracy in Ghana.

The policy takes effect in advance of Ghana's presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled to take place on December 7.

Sharing his view on the policy, Sulemana Braimah on Tuesday said it is a good decision.

According to him, more Western countries should impose visa restrictions on persons who undermine Ghana’s democracy.

He proposes that the assets of these individuals when identified should also be frozen.

“The announced US Visa restrictions policy against persons who will undermine democracy in Ghana is a welcome dev't. Every nation should use its soft power to help protect democracy. I urge other Western democratic nations to do same & should actually include freezing of assets,” Sulemana Braimah said in a post on X.

According to the U.S. State Department’s announcement, the visa restriction policy would apply only to specific individuals who undermine democracy and is not directed at the Ghanaian people or the Government of Ghana.

It said 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.