US warns its citizens of potential violence in Ghana ahead of SC ruling

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Created on Monday, 19 August 2013 00:00

US warns its citizens of potential violence in Ghana ahead of SC ruling

19 August 2013

The U.S Embassy in Ghana has warned its citizens of a possible outbreak of violence after the Supreme Court pronounces judgment on the election on August 29.

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According to the Embassy, there is potential increase in political tensions and the possibility of isolated violence associated with the anticipated announcement of the Ghanaian Supreme Court’s decision on the legal challenge to Ghana’s election results.

A release issued by the Embassy Monday, August 19, 2013, advised U.S nationals to avoid the offices of political parties, Ghana’s Supreme Court, the buildings of other institutions associated with the elections, and all political rallies.

Read the full statement below:

U.S. Embassy Ghana advises U.S. citizens of a potential increase in political tensions and the possibility of isolated violence associated with the anticipated August 29 announcement of the Ghanaian Supreme Court’s decision on the legal challenge to Ghana’s election results.

U.S. citizens in Ghana are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security/safety awareness during this politically-sensitive period. U.S. citizens in Ghana should avoid the offices of political parties, Ghana’s Supreme Court, the buildings of other institutions associated with the elections, and all political rallies.

We recommend that U.S. citizens in Ghana monitor the local news and avoid all demonstrations, as even those intended to be peaceful may suddenly turn violent.

You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Ghana web site. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings.

Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. Follow us on Twitter and on the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well, or you can download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes, and the Google Play store, to have travel information at your fingertips.

If you don't have internet access, current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

If you are going to live in or travel to Ghana please take the time to tell us about your trip by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency.

You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date. It is important during enrollment or updating of information to include your current phone number and current email address where you can be reached in case of an emergency.

The U.S. Embassy in Ghana is located on No. 24, Fourth Circular Rd., Cantonments, Accra; mailing addresses: P.O. Box 194 Cantonments, Accra, Ghana. The Embassy telephone number is (233) 30-2741-000. The Embassy fax number is (233) 30-2741-389.

For after-hours emergencies, U.S. citizens should call (233) 30-2741-775 and ask to speak with the duty officer.

Source: Joyonline/US Embassy Ghana