The Electoral Commission (EC) has stated that it is working to address the restriction of media access to collation centres during the 2024 elections.
The EC has indicated that it has begun discussions with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) to address the concerns raised by media stakeholders.
The EC assured that ongoing engagements with GJA and GIBA aim to find a mutually acceptable and practical solution.
In a memo to its regional directors, the EC outlined that only eight media organizations would be accredited to cover collation activities at constituency centres. This allocation includes three television stations with two personnel each and five radio stations with one representative each.
The directive has sparked mixed reactions, with calls for the EC to reconsider its decision.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), for instance, has expressed concerns that the directive could undermine transparency and accountability in the electoral process, which relies heavily on the media’s oversight role.
In a statement issued by Samuel Tettey, the Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, the EC pledged transparency in its processes and operations.
The Commission emphasized the importance of media access to constituency, regional, and national collation centres.
“The Commission is keen on ensuring the highest level of transparency in its operations, hence the opening up of all its Constituency, Regional, and National Collation Centres to the media,” the statement noted.
Meanwhile, the EC highlighted the need to balance transparency with maintaining an orderly and peaceful environment at the collation centres.
Read the full statement below:
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