EC Reveals the Number of Media Houses Allowed at Collation Centres for Election 2024

The Electoral Commission has disclosed the number of media outlets required to be present at different regional collation centers, according to the most recent Citi TV report.

The number of reporters and observers at collation centers for Ghana's general election in 2024 has been officially restricted by the Electoral Commission (EC). The goal of this decision is to make the process of counting election results safer and more structured.

Only eight media outlets will be permitted at each constituency collation center under these regulations. The EC will allow 12 media outlets at the regional level, including seven radio stations and five television stations. In an interview on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, EC Deputy Commissioner Dr. Eric Bossman Asare provided an explanation of the rationale for this action.

Dr. Asare underlined that the choice was well thought out in light of Ghana's prior electoral experiences. He says that misunderstanding and needless difficulties can result from overpopulation in collation centers. According to him, the limitations will guarantee a seamless procedure at the regional and constituency levels.

We examined the background and characteristics of Ghanaian collation centers. These locations can degenerate into chaos if improperly managed. In order to guarantee a systematic collation process, the panel believes that restricting the number of media outlets is the best course of action, Dr. Asare said.

He went on to say that other organizations are also impacted by the ruling, not only the media. The people was informed by Dr. Asare that there would be enough media outlets in each constituency to deliver reliable updates. Consider a constituency such as Bantama, Hohoe, or Banda. He clarified, "We think these eight media outlets can effectively disseminate the information to the public."

Discussions have been triggered by the EC's decision, with many people questioning how it would affect election coverage. But according to the Commission, these steps are required for a successful and peaceful election.