EC under heavy fire online over decision to limit media access at collation centers

Ghana's Electoral Commission is facing significant criticism over its decision to restrict media access at the regional collation centers to only 12 media houses in the 2024 general elections.

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 regional 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."

Dr. Bossman Asare also mentioned that the EC has already provided media accreditation to both international observers and the press to cover the elections.

Justifying the commission's decision, he explained that party agents for each candidate contesting the presidential and parliamentary elections and EC officials overseeing the collation will be present.

He emphasised that limiting media access to 12 outlets will help maintain a manageable number of individuals, thereby preventing potential chaos.

"Apart from the media and observers at the collation center, there are going to be agents of political parties. Each of the 12 candidates will have agents at the collation center; parliamentary candidates will also have their agents there and EC officials. Per the wisdom of the commission, we concluded that we will restrict the numbers to create an enabling atmosphere for a smooth collation exercise, and we think that having 8 media houses at the constituency level is generally appropriate and having 12 media houses at the regional level is also very much appropriate," he stated.

This decision has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many expressing displeasure and concerns over the potential issues it could cause.

Many have since vowed to resist the move, arguing that it is not within the EC's mandate to determine which media outlets are allowed to cover the elections.

Here are some of the posts under the trending topic below:

The EC cannot regulate media coverage of an election . It’s not their job. This will be resisted . When do they meet with NMC to discuss this? https://t.co/d3oIRTjZ69

— Godfred Akoto Boafo (@eastsportsman) November 26, 2024

The exercise of the discretionary power shall not be arbitrary.

Article 296 of the Constitution.

1. How is the EC able to decide which media house is to be permitted to cover?

2. Does this not lead to arbitrariness & unfair treatment of those media houses that are excluded? https://t.co/rOokf61cuB

— GhLawTrends (@GhLawTrends) November 26, 2024

This cannot and should not be allowed to happen. It’s not the EC’s job to regulate media coverage of an election.

Plus, how would they even settle on the 12? What criteria would be used?

I can see why this would be a problem. https://t.co/Wyu63RXj35

— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) November 26, 2024

this should not be accepted. we need transparency. we need to kick against this nonsense. this EC is moving suspiciously https://t.co/4HJjIKMouu

— KALYJAY (@gyaigyimii) November 26, 2024

The day Bossman Asare was nominated to the Electoral Commission, I knew something fishy was unfolding.

How can the selection of media to cover the election be justified?

How?

— Mr. Doe🇬🇭 (@nana_pytha1) November 27, 2024

Is it that those who lead the Electoral Commission don't have heads or they have an empty one? I don't understand why they always make decisions to get Ghanaians angry and doubt their credibility.

— KOJO DYNAMIC 𓃵 (@AnnanPerry) November 26, 2024

Why would the Electoral Commission want to limit the number of media houses during the constituency and Regional coalition. Since 1992, we have never had this situation and why does the EC want to limit media coverage of the elections?! How would those media houses be selected?!

— #StopGalamseyNow (@ghanamunsemsem_) November 26, 2024

Electoral commission too Asay what. They must be joking

— Berry ☯︎🦍🥷 (@fanti_boy) November 27, 2024

Media freedom includes the right to cover stories & events without being subjected to administrative hurdles.

Elections are public events. Everyone has a right to record whatever goes on there.

What is this dictatorial face that the electoral commission wears these days? https://t.co/grocAs0TUm

— Timothy Selikem K. Donkor (@DonkorKorku) November 26, 2024

10 days to Election 2024! GJA Boss Albert Kwabena Dwumfour should be writing to the Electoral Commission today over plans to limit media access to collation centres. GJA must negotiate an increase in the number and agree on the criteria for selection of the media houses. NO TIME!

— Mirpuri (@InterBoyTM) November 27, 2024

It's crucial to recognize that the Electoral Commission is capable of making unpredictable decisions, often without considering their potential consequences.

Their approach seems tactical, similar to a game of strategy, where they test the waters with each move, awaiting …

— De Black Star ★ (@niq_black) November 27, 2024

The accreditation plan from the Electoral Commission must be condemned by every sensible person and fought against.

They are being careless with our freedom, and this might not end us well.

What nonsense is this?

— Mr T.I 🇬🇭 (@izake_tetteh) November 26, 2024