The Electoral Commission (EC) has responded to controversies surrounding alleged restrictions on media access to polling and collation centers during the upcoming elections.
The Chairperson Madam Jean Mensa has assured that the Commission remains committed to transparency and has no intention of limiting media coverage at any level of the electoral process.
Addressing the media on Friday, Madam Mensa explained, “Our directive was not to restrict, but to ensure adequate media coverage at all constituency, regional, and national collation centers. It aimed to prevent a scenario where some media houses might be excluded due to space constraints or logistical challenges.”
The controversy stemmed from a memo outlining minimum requirements for media presence, which suggested three TV stations and five radio stations at constituency collation centers, and five TV stations with seven radio stations at regional centers. This sparked intense public debate, with some viewing it as an attempt to curtail press freedom.
Madam Mensa clarified that the directive was meant to ensure fair and adequate representation rather than impose restrictions. “We have provided clear instructions to our staff to allow media coverage at all levels of collation. Transparency has been the hallmark of our operations, and it will remain so, especially on Election Day,” she stated.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), led by its president Albert Dwumfour, expressed concerns over the perceived limitations. The GJA welcomed the EC’s clarification but urged the Commission to uphold media freedom and ensure that no journalist is hindered from carrying out their duties.
Madam Mensa reiterated the EC’s commitment to combating misinformation and disinformation. She emphasized the importance of media partnerships in ensuring transparency, saying, “We need your cameras and pens working on Election Day to lay bare the truth, evidence, and facts for all.”
The Commission also pledged that all polling stations nationwide would be open to media scrutiny, further cementing its commitment to transparent electoral processes.
The assurances come at a crucial time as the nation gears up for what promises to be a tightly contested election. The media’s role in ensuring credible elections remains pivotal, and the EC’s commitment to collaboration is seen as a step toward maintaining public trust.
Ghana I Atinka online.coml Ebenezer Madugu
