The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), spearheading the Media Coalition, expressed deep concerns regarding the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to grant accreditation to a select group of media outlets for coverage at the National Collation Centre during the 2024 general elections. GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, speaking on behalf of the coalition, emphasized the need for transparency and demanded the EC disclose both the list of accredited media houses and the methodology employed in their selection. The coalition argued that this selective accreditation process could compromise the integrity of the elections, potentially fueling misinformation and disinformation. They further highlighted the EC’s failure to consult with the Media Coalition before implementing this decision, further amplifying concerns about fairness and impartiality.
The Media Coalition’s apprehension stemmed from the potential for the EC’s actions to undermine the credibility of the electoral process. By limiting access to the National Collation Centre, the coalition argued, the EC risked creating an environment conducive to the spread of false narratives and distorted information. This concern was compounded by the lack of transparency surrounding the selection criteria, raising suspicions about potential bias and favoritism. The coalition emphasized their commitment to ensuring a successful election, but stressed that the EC’s approach could inadvertently jeopardize this goal. They called upon the EC to reconsider its decision and adopt a more inclusive and transparent approach to media accreditation.
In response to the EC’s actions, the GJA proactively established a National Media Collation Centre at the Ghana International Press Centre. This center aimed to provide an alternative platform for disseminating election results, featuring giant monitors displaying provisional and certified results for the benefit of the media, political stakeholders, and the public. Furthermore, the GJA deployed election volunteers across all 276 constituencies to observe the electoral process, gather information, and report any challenges faced by media practitioners. This initiative demonstrated the GJA’s commitment to ensuring comprehensive and accurate coverage of the elections, despite the limitations imposed by the EC.
The GJA’s election monitoring efforts included a seven-member Election Monitoring Team tasked with compiling a comprehensive report on the electoral process. In addition, the GJA designated the Gifty Affenyi Dadzie Conference Hall at the Press Centre as a central location for political actors to hold press conferences related to the elections. This initiative aimed to facilitate open communication and interaction between political parties, the media, and the public. The GJA’s proactive measures reflected their dedication to promoting transparency and accountability throughout the electoral period.
As part of their commitment to facilitating media coverage, the GJA distributed over 9,000 media accreditation tags received from the EC, including reprinted tags and those for foreign journalists. The GJA emphasized the crucial role of the media in upholding the integrity of the elections and urged media practitioners to prioritize peace and national interest in their reporting. They also called upon media owners and managers to provide adequate resources and support to their staff covering the elections, ensuring their independence and safety.
The GJA also underscored the importance of protecting media practitioners from any potential harm or intimidation during their coverage. They established hotlines for journalists to seek assistance if needed and welcomed foreign journalists to Ghana, offering them support and access to information. The GJA expressed gratitude to the KGL Group for their financial support, acknowledging the importance of such partnerships in strengthening Ghana’s democracy. Their comprehensive approach to election monitoring and media facilitation demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
