Posted on:
www.dailyguideghana.com
By William Yaw
Owusu
Tuesday,
November 15, 2016
The United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK) have
issued statements strongly condemning the upsurge of political violence in
Ghana as the country heads for general election on December 7.
They have consequently threatened to refuse the issuance of visas to
Ghanaians who would want to travel to any of these countries.
In recent times, there have been clashes in various parts of the
country, particularly between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and
the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP); the latest being the attack on the
residence of the NPP presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, by reported
NDC supporters.
The two powerful countries have swiftly reacted to the violent
clashes, cautioning the political actors to be mindful of their utterances and
warned them against inciting violence.
A statement from the US Embassy in Accra stated, “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.”
Visa Revocation
The statement said the US government was considering all options to
hold responsible those who incite political violence, including denying or
revoking of visas.
“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 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 non-violent presidential elections. We urge all to participate
peacefully in the democratic process—before, during and after Election Day,”
the US statement admonished.
It said the US government “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.”
UK’s Condemnation
The British High Commission also released its statement in Accra expressing
its government’s concern “at recent incidents of political violence in Ghana in
the run-up to the presidential and parliamentary elections on 7 December.”
“We condemn all violent acts by the supporters of any political
party, including any occurring as a result of holding electoral campaign events
close to the private homes of rival candidates.”
The statement indicated, “The UK is a great supporter of Ghana’s
democracy and of maintaining its electoral record. We admire the open and
energetic nature of its campaigns. We believe that violence has absolutely no
place in the electoral process.”
“We therefore, call on all Ghana’s political actors to promote
peace, and to respect Ghana’s electoral and constitutional processes. All
political parties should strongly urge their supporters to refrain from, and
indeed actively condemn any violence, incitement or intimidation which only
serves to undermine democracy.”
Like the US, the UK also said it “reserves the right to take action
against anyone engaging in or inciting political violence, including
considering refusing or revoking visas.”
According to the statement, “The UK will continue to work with
Ghanaian institutions, including the Electoral Commission, Police, Judiciary,
National Peace Council, civil society groups and the media to support Ghana’s
efforts to hold credible, peaceful and fair elections. The UK remains entirely
neutral in those elections.”
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