The Electoral Commission (EC) has decided to suspend its directive to restrict the number of accredited media outlets allowed at collation centres during the December 7 elections.
Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Commissioner of the EC, announced the suspension during the “Graphic National Development Series” in Accra on Wednesday.
The decision follows consultations with the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), both of which had raised concerns about the original directive.
Dr. Asare assured that further discussions would take place to develop a revised policy that ensures effective media access to collation centres. He emphasized that the intention behind the original directive was not to limit media coverage but to maintain order and prevent chaos at the collation centres.
“The EC’s goal was to avoid disorder at the centres. In regions where there could be up to 400 media outlets, a smaller collation centre might struggle with space if every outlet is given unrestricted access,” he explained. “Our aim was to ensure a well-organized process, not to restrict the media’s ability to report on the elections.”
The original memo, issued on November 25, proposed allowing only eight media organizations at each constituency collation centre. However, Dr. Asare reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting the media’s role in ensuring transparent, free, and fair elections.
During the forum, Dr. Asare also reaffirmed the EC’s goal to either improve upon or maintain the 79% voter turnout seen in the 2020 elections. He stressed the Commission’s dedication to conducting a successful election, as it has done in previous years, and encouraged voters to participate actively, even if it requires traveling to other regions.
“For every registered voter, the EC has printed both Presidential and Parliamentary ballots. If it means traveling to Tamale or any other part of the country to vote, please do so as part of your civic responsibility,” he urged.
Dr. Asare further called on political parties and candidates to educate their agents on the electoral process to help avoid disruptions at polling stations. He also assured that security agencies were collaborating with the EC to maintain order during the election.
The forum, which focused on “Sustaining Civic & Democratic Governance Systems for Development, Mandate of All Citizens,” aimed to foster national dialogue and influence policy.
Mr. Ato Afful, Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group, highlighted the company’s commitment to promoting civic responsibility and transparent governance.
He encouraged the youth to exercise their voting rights and urged political actors to prioritize national interests over partisan concerns.
