Since when did media coverage become just radio and television, reverse media access restrictions - MFWA to EC
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has come under fire for its decision to limit media access to collation centres during the upcoming 2024 elections. The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has condemned the move, arguing that it could undermine transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
At the heart of the controversy is the EC's decision to accredit only eight media houses at each constituency collation centre, comprising three TV stations and five radio stations. At the regional level, access will be granted to 12 media houses, including five TV stations and seven radio stations.
The MFWA has denounced the restrictions, pointing out that they 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.
Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairperson of the EC, has defended the decision, citing the need to create an "enabling environment" for a smooth collation exercise.
''In the wisdom of the commission, the conclusion was that to create an enabling environment for a smooth collation exercise, let’s restrict the numbers.
“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,'' Dr. Bossman stated in an interview on Citi News on Nov 26.
However, critics argue that the restrictions are overly broad and could have a chilling effect on media freedom.
Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director at MFWA, expressed shock at the EC's directive, pointing out that it fails to take into account the diversity of media outlets in Ghana during an interview on Channel One TV on Nov 26.
“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.
Source: Florence Kyei /Lead News Online
