WASHINGTON - A few days ahead of Ghana's parliamentary and presidential elections, the State Department is warning U.S. citizens to use caution if traveling in the West African nation.

Next Tuesday's elections are expected to be generally peaceful, the State Department said Friday, "but the potential for politically based incidents of violence is increased."

The department cautioned against traveling to the northern region of the country on and immediately after election day, particularly the Tamale municipal area and Yendi district. Americans should also avoid Bawku in the upper west, the department said.

"If such travel is unavoidable, U.S. citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution in these areas during this period," the statement said.

The advisory is set to expire on Dec. 15.