EC Halts Media Access Restrictions at Collation Centres

The Electoral Commission (EC) has suspended its directive to limit the number of accredited media houses at collation centres for the December 7 elections.

Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Commissioner of the EC, made the announcement during the “Graphic National Development Series” event in Accra on Wednesday.

The suspension follows consultations with the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), which expressed concerns about the initial directive.

Dr. Asare assured that the Commission would engage in further discussions to develop a revised policy on media access to collation centres.

He clarified that the intent of the original directive was not to restrict media coverage, but to ensure a smooth and orderly process at the collation centres.

“The purpose behind our directive was to prevent disorder. In regions where there may be up to 400 media houses, the limited space at the collation centres could cause problems if every outlet were allowed full access,” Dr. Asare explained. “Our goal was never to block media coverage, but to ensure that the process is organized and manageable.”

The initial memo, issued on November 25, 2024, outlined that only eight media outlets would be allowed at each constituency collation centre.

However, Dr. Asare reassured the public that the EC remained fully committed to supporting the media’s role in ensuring a fair and transparent election.

At the same event, Dr. Asare also spoke about the EC’s plans for the upcoming election, emphasizing that the Commission’s goal was to either improve or maintain the 79% voter turnout recorded in 2020. He urged Ghanaians to fulfill their civic duties by voting, regardless of their location.

“For every registered voter, we have printed both the Presidential and Parliamentary ballots. If you need to travel to another region to vote, please do so as part of your civic responsibility,” he urged.

Dr. Asare also called on political parties and candidates to properly educate their agents to prevent disruptions at polling stations. He reassured the public that security agencies were working alongside the EC to ensure a peaceful election process.

The “Graphic National Development Series” event, which focused on “Sustaining Civic & Democratic Governance Systems for Development, Mandate of All Citizens,” provided a platform to build consensus on national issues and influence policy. Mr. Ato Afful, Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting transparent governance and urged the youth to responsibly exercise their right to vote. He also called on political leaders to prioritize the national interest over partisan interests.