EC to engage GJA, GIBA following backlash over plans to limit media access to collation centres

The Electoral Commission of Ghana says it will engage with stakeholders in the media to find workable solutions amidst growing sentiments over the commission’s decision to limit the number of media outlets to be permitted into collation centres on December 7, 2024.

Ahead of the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, the Electoral Commission had earlier indicated that it would be limiting the number of media outlets to be given access to collation centres at the district and regional levels.

According to the EC, only 12 media houses will be granted access to the regional collation centres, while 8 will be granted access at the constituency levels.

But in a statement dated November 27, 2024, the commission said it has taken notice of public concerns arising from the decision and will engage with media stakeholders, including the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), to “arrive at an arrangement that is both workable and acceptable.”

In an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Dr. Bossman Asare, the Deputy Chair of the Electoral Commission, explained that the decision to limit media access is aimed at creating a conducive environment for the collation process on December 7.

He explained that the decision was made to prevent overcrowding at the collation centers and assured that the Electoral Commission will inform the various media houses and observers in the coming days.

"We have the media, who have also been given accreditation to observe and report on the elections. They have access to almost all the polling stations we have, however, the collation centers will be restricted. Not everyone who has access to the polling station will still have the same access as far as the collation centers are concerned, and the commission will announce it to all the observers to know how it is going to pan out on election day," he stated.

Read the EC's full statement below:



GA/AE

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