The Electoral Commission (EC) has responded to growing concerns from media stakeholders following its directive to limit media access to constituency and regional collation centers for the 2024 general elections.
The directive, which caps media representation at eight outlets per constituency collation center and twelve at regional collation centers, has drawn significant criticism from various media groups.
The EC explained that the measure aims to maintain order during the collation process but has raised concerns about transparency and inclusivity.
In a memo to its district and regional staff, the EC outlined a quota system for accrediting media outlets, sparking a wave of feedback from journalists and broadcasters.
Addressing the concerns, the EC announced on Wednesday, November 27, that it is in discussions with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) to address the issue.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to finding a balanced solution that ensures both transparency and orderly operations at collation centers.
“As a listening Commission, we are engaging with the leadership of the GJA and GIBA on the issue and trust that we will arrive at an arrangement that is both workable and acceptable,” the EC stated.
The EC assured stakeholders of its dedication to transparency in the electoral process, emphasizing that media access to all constituency, regional, and national collation centers is a priority.
However, it reiterated the need to limit the number of persons present at these centers to maintain peace and order during the collation of results.
“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 Centers to the Media. In doing so, the Commission is mindful of the need to ensure an orderly and peaceful process at all the Collation Centers, hence the quotas on the number of persons who can access the Collation Centers at any given time,” the statement read.
The EC expressed optimism that ongoing dialogue with the GJA and GIBA would result in an agreeable solution, enabling media partners to effectively carry out their roles without compromising the integrity or efficiency of the collation process.
READ ALSO: