The Electoral Commission (EC) has reiterated that discussions are ongoing with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) regarding media access to the upcoming 2024 elections.
The Commission faced criticism for limiting media coverage at collation centres, allowing only eight media houses access. This decision sparked a backlash from various media groups.
On November 28, a coalition of media organizations—including the GJA, GIBA, the Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)—announced plans to formally submit a proposal to the EC after consultation on the matter.
During an emergency meeting of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) on November 29, EC Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bossman Asare reassured the public that the media will be granted accreditation to cover the collation process at all levels, from the constituency to the national level.
Dr. Asare confirmed that media representatives will have access to coverage at the constituency, regional, and national collation centres.
“In terms of the number of media houses to be given accreditation per collation centre, the Commission is still in discussions with the GJA and GIBA. What is certain is that the media will be allowed to cover the collation process at all levels.”
He said political parties and presidential candidates will have four (4) persons accredited to the national collation centre which will take place at a location to be communicated soon, stating that only two accredited persons can be at the national collation centre at any one time.
“The National Collation will take place in Accra at a location to be communicated to the parties and agents of presidential candidates very soon. In terms of accreditation, political parties and presidential candidates will be given accreditation for two (2) agents at the constituency and regional collation centres.
“Domestic and international observers will also be given accreditation at the constituency and regional collation centres.”
Reverse media access restrictions at collation centres – MFWA tells EC
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