US alerts citizens in Ghana of potential political violence after vote results
The US government has issued an “emergency message” to its citizens living in Ghana of violent demonstrations over the announcement of election results.
In a statement published on its website December 9, 2012, the US Embassy in Ghana advised US citizens of “escalating tensions and the potential for political violence associated with the anticipated announcement of election results in Ghana”.
The Embassy said it is aware of multiple media reports of clashes between opposition supporters and Ghanaian security forces in the vicinity of the Electoral Commission headquarters in the Ridge neighborhood of Accra.
The Embassy reminded the US citizens in Ghana to “maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security/safety awareness during this time.”
The Embassy recommends that US citizens in Ghana stay in a safe location during this period of heightened political tension, according to the statement.
It stated that US citizens should avoid the “offices of political parties, the buildings of other institutions associated with the elections, and all political rallies”.
The Embassy urged the US citizens to monitor local news and avoid all demonstrations, as even those intended to be peaceful may suddenly turn violent.
By Ekow Quandzie