The Electoral Commission (EC) has made a significant policy change regarding media access to electoral events in Ghana. Initially, the EC had imposed restrictions on media personnel’s ability to enter constituency and regional collation centres, a move that raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the electoral process. However, in a recent announcement made on December 2, the EC has reversed this directive, opening up access for accredited media representatives. This decision comes after consultations and discussions with key media stakeholders, indicating the EC’s responsiveness to feedback from the media community.
Effective from December 7, 2024, journalists who have been assigned photo accreditation for covering polling stations will now also be allowed to use this same accreditation to gain entry into constituency and regional collation centres. This change is seen as a positive development for media professionals, as it grants them greater access to significant locations during the electoral process. The EC’s decision underscores its understanding of the important role that the media plays in ensuring that elections are properly reported and conveyed to the public.
Furthermore, the Electoral Commission has stressed its commitment to maintaining a high level of transparency and accountability in its operations. By revising the media accreditation system, the EC aims to facilitate better coverage of the electoral process by allowing media personnel to navigate key election venues more freely. This initiative is intended to foster a more open and transparent environment, where the electoral process is openly observed and reported by the media.
The changes to the accreditation process reflect the EC’s recognition of the integral role that the media plays in informing the public about the electoral process and outcomes. The Commission has emphasized that allowing greater access for media personnel is not just a logistical change, but a fundamental aspect of ensuring that the democratic process is open to scrutiny. This move can enhance public trust in the electoral system, as more journalists can report directly from the ground, providing real-time updates and analyses.
In addition to the changes in media access to constituency and regional collation centres, the Electoral Commission intends to announce arrangements related to media access to the National Collation Centre in the near future. This indicates that the EC is taking a comprehensive approach to media access throughout the electoral process, ensuring that journalists can effectively cover all important aspects of the elections. The focus on enhancing media engagement signals the EC’s broader commitment to fostering a transparent electoral environment.
Overall, the Electoral Commission’s recent policy reversal represents a constructive step toward ensuring that the media can effectively fulfill its role during the electoral process. By granting greater access to journalists, the EC affirms its dedication to transparency and accountability, ultimately contributing to a more informed electorate. This move is anticipated to enhance the quality of electoral reporting, promote public confidence in the electoral system, and foster a healthy democratic discourse leading up to the elections.
