The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced a suspension of its initial plan to limit the number of media houses allowed to cover activities at collation centers during the December 7 general elections. The decision was communicated by Dr. Bossman Asare, the Deputy Commissioner, during a forum held in Accra.
The initial directive, announced in a memo dated November 25, 2024, restricted access to just eight accredited media organizations at collation centers in each constituency. This plan faced strong opposition from the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA). Both groups raised concerns that such a move could hinder transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.
In response to the backlash, the EC has opted to revisit the policy, pledging to hold further discussions with stakeholders to find a balanced solution that ensures both orderliness and adequate media coverage.
Dr. Asare explained that the initial restriction was never intended to limit media freedom. Instead, the goal was to manage the often chaotic scenes at collation centers, where many media houses gather to report election results. He pointed out that some regions in Ghana have as many as 400 media houses, which would make it nearly impossible to accommodate everyone at smaller collation venues.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of maintaining order, saying, “We wanted to avoid confusion at the collation centers, not stop the media from doing their work. We respect the role of the media in ensuring free and fair elections.”
With this revised stance, the EC plans to work with media associations to create a more practical system that guarantees transparency while keeping collation centers organized and secure.
Meanwhile, the EC has assured Ghanaians of its readiness to deliver a credible election. Dr. Asare expressed the Commission’s commitment to maintaining or even improving the voter turnout rate of 79% recorded in the 2020 elections. He encouraged registered voters to fulfill their civic responsibility by heading to the polls on December 7, no matter where they may be on Election Day.
“For every registered voter, we have printed both Presidential and Parliamentary ballots,” Dr. Asare explained. “If you have to travel to vote, please do so. Your vote is your voice.”
He also urged political parties and candidates to educate their polling agents on the electoral process to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts at polling stations. He stressed the importance of all stakeholders playing their part in ensuring a smooth election.
On the issue of security, Dr. Asare reassured voters that the EC is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure peace and order on Election Day. He promised that the results of the election would reflect the true will of the people, as the Commission has no interest in influencing the outcome.
The forum where the announcement was made focused on fostering national consensus on key issues ahead of the elections. Among the speakers was Mr. Ato Afful, Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group, who reaffirmed his company’s commitment to promoting democratic governance and transparency.
Mr. Afful called on Ghanaians, especially the youth, to act responsibly during the elections. He reminded everyone that their actions on Election Day would affect the nation’s future. He also urged political actors to prioritize the country’s welfare over partisan interests, saying, “The national interest should always come first.”
The EC’s decision to reconsider its media access policy has been welcomed as a step in the right direction. It reflects a willingness to listen to feedback and work collaboratively to ensure a transparent and credible election process. By allowing the media to play their role effectively while maintaining order at collation centers, the EC hopes to build public trust in the electoral process.
As December 7 approaches, all eyes will be on Ghana’s Electoral Commission to see how it manages this critical event. The nation’s ability to hold peaceful and transparent elections is seen as a cornerstone of its democracy, and the EC has assured the public that every effort is being made to uphold these values.
The ongoing collaboration between the EC, the media, political parties, and security agencies highlights the shared responsibility of ensuring a successful election. Ghanaians are encouraged to stay informed, participate fully, and work together to uphold the democratic principles that the nation holds dear.
With preparations well underway and the EC demonstrating its commitment to transparency and fairness, the December 7 polls are shaping up to be a true reflection of the people’s will. For voters, the message is clear: come out and cast your vote, for it is both a right and a duty.
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