The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has accredited more than 6,000 journalists to provide comprehensive coverage of both early voting and the December 7 general elections. This significant move is part of efforts to ensure transparency and bolster media access across all voting centres nationwide.
Speaking at a press conference on November 29, the EC Chairperson, Mrs. Jean Mensa, highlighted the Commission’s collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) in finalizing the accreditation process.
To date, we have received over 6,000 applications and provided accreditation for the same. Tomorrow, the Ghana Journalists Association will collect and distribute these credentials, Mrs. Mensa disclosed.
This development follows an earlier directive limiting access to collation centres to specific media outlets. A memo issued by Deputy Chairman of Operations, Samuel Tettey, outlined that only eight media houses per constituency and 12 at the regional collation centres would be granted access. This decision sparked widespread criticism from stakeholders, including the GJA and the Media Foundation for West Africa, prompting calls for a review.
Responding to the backlash, the EC assured stakeholders that no media house would be restricted from election coverage. Mrs. Mensa reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, stating, The EC is prepared to accredit as many journalists as necessary. If one million journalists apply, we will ensure they have access so that every corner of our centres is covered.
She further urged media organizations to liaise with the GJA for timely distribution of accreditation passes, noting that the remaining 850 applications would be finalized and distributed by November 30.
This decision is seen as a significant step toward fostering confidence in the electoral process. By allowing extensive media presence, the EC seeks to provide citizens with real-time, unbiased updates from polling stations and collation centres across the country.
Stakeholders have welcomed the revised approach, recognizing it as a crucial move toward upholding the integrity of the elections. However, the EC’s earlier directive limiting media access remains a point of contention, with critics calling for more inclusivity at collation centres.
As December 7 approaches, the EC’s assurance of unrestricted media coverage underscores its determination to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections.This article is based on a report by 3News
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