As Ghana prepares for its highly anticipated 2024 general elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) has announced new measures aimed at streamlining operations at constituency and regional collation centres. A key component of these measures involves significantly limiting the number of media houses and observers allowed into these centres. The EC believes this approach will create a secure and efficient environment for the collation of election results.
Dr. Eric Bossman Asare, the Deputy Commissioner of the EC, disclosed the details during an interview on Eyewitness News on November 26, 2024. He emphasized that these changes are not intended to hinder transparency but to ensure the smooth running of the collation process, especially given the challenges faced in previous elections.
Under the new policy, only eight media houses will be allowed to operate at each constituency collation centre, while regional collation centres will accommodate a maximum of 12 media houses. These will comprise five television stations and seven radio stations. This decision, according to Dr. Asare, is based on extensive evaluations of past experiences and the physical constraints of the collation centres.
### The EC’s Reasoning Behind the Decision
Dr. Asare explained that the EC carefully considered the nature of collation centres, noting that overcrowding has often been a source of significant disruptions in the past. He expressed confidence that the reduction in the number of media representatives would help mitigate such challenges.
“We arrived at our conclusion based on our history and the nature of the collation centres. If you are not very careful and you don’t manage the centres very well, you may end up having a lot of challenges to deal with,” he stated.
He further noted that these restrictions are not exclusively targeted at the media but apply to all categories of individuals granted access to the centres. The overarching goal is to maintain order while ensuring the collation process is as transparent and effective as possible.
“This particular arrangement, we believe, will create a very smooth collation exercise at both the constituency and regional levels,” Dr. Asare remarked.
### Addressing Transparency Concerns
While the EC’s decision has raised concerns among some media practitioners and civil society organizations about the potential for reduced transparency, the commission maintains that the measures will not compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
Dr. Asare reiterated that the selected media outlets would be sufficient to disseminate timely and accurate information to the public. “For instance, in a constituency like Banda, Hohoe, or Bantama, having eight media houses present should be enough to send out the information effectively,” he explained.
The EC also highlighted that the focus is on quality rather than quantity. By selecting a smaller group of trusted media houses, the commission aims to avoid overcrowding while ensuring that the electorate receives reliable updates.
### Broader Implications for Media Coverage
The restriction of media access at collation centres could significantly alter the dynamics of election coverage in Ghana. With fewer journalists allowed on-site, media organizations may need to rely more on information provided by the EC and their accredited colleagues.
This raises questions about how independent media houses not granted access will ensure accurate and unbiased reporting. However, the EC has assured stakeholders that it will work closely with accredited media organizations to provide the necessary support for effective coverage.
### Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from various quarters. Some have applauded the EC for taking proactive steps to address potential disruptions, while others argue that limiting media access could undermine the public’s trust in the electoral process.
Election observers, in particular, have raised concerns about the implications of the new measures for transparency and accountability. They argue that the presence of multiple independent observers and media representatives is essential for fostering public confidence in the results.
Despite these concerns, the EC remains firm in its decision, stressing that the ultimate aim is to deliver a free, fair, and credible election.
### Looking Ahead to Election 2024
With just months to go before Ghanaians head to the polls, the EC’s announcement underscores the high stakes of the 2024 elections. As the country navigates a tense political climate, the commission’s efforts to enhance efficiency and security at collation centres will be closely scrutinized by stakeholders.
The success of the new measures will largely depend on their implementation and the extent to which the EC can strike a balance between efficiency and transparency. For the media, the challenge will be adapting to these restrictions while maintaining their commitment to accurate and independent reporting.
As the election draws closer, all eyes will be on the EC to ensure that these changes contribute to a smooth and credible electoral process, reflecting the democratic values that Ghanaians hold dear.
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