The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to reverse its decision to impose restrictions on media access to collation centres during the 2024 elections.
According to a memo sent to its regional directors, the EC has decided to limit accreditation to just eight media houses at each constituency collation centre, including three TV stations with two representatives each and five radio stations with one representative each.
At regional collation centres, access would be granted to 12 media houses, consisting of five TV stations and seven radio stations, with similar personnel limitations.
The MFWA has expressed concern that such limitations could hinder transparency and accountability in the collation process. The foundation is urging the EC to reconsider its stance to ensure the media’s role in maintaining the credibility of the election.
In defense of the decision, Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairperson of the EC, explained that the restriction was made to create a conducive environment for a smooth collation exercise.
“We think at the constituency level, having eight media houses is generally appropriate, and at the regional level, twelve media houses is very much appropriate.”
Despite these assurances, the MFWA argues that such restrictions could hinder the media’s ability to effectively cover the election process and ensure accountability.
The foundation has urged the EC to reconsider its stance and allow broader media access to promote transparency and public trust in the electoral process.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, November 26, Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director at MFWA expressed shock at the EC’s directive and stressed the need for the EC to reverse the directive.
“Since when did media coverage become just radio and television? what about newspapers, what about online publications?
“So, I think this is a very misdirected action and well as they say better late than never. This is something that I think should be reversed,” he stated.
