Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has assured journalists and media houses nationwide of unrestricted access to cover the December 7 general elections. His statement comes as a relief amid concerns from media outlets about potential restrictions at constituency and regional collation centres imposed by the Electoral Commission (EC).
Initially, the EC announced plans to limit media access by issuing a minimum of 3,308 accreditations for reporters across the country. This decision was met with widespread criticism from journalists, media houses, and advocacy groups, who argued that the number was woefully inadequate to meet the demands of comprehensive election coverage. They emphasized the importance of enabling journalists to observe and report on proceedings at all levels to maintain transparency and public trust in the electoral process.
The backlash from the media prompted the EC to revisit its policy. Following consultations with stakeholders, the Commission revised the accreditation cap, increasing the number to 4,500. This adjustment was seen as a significant step toward addressing the concerns of the media and ensuring that their role as the fourth estate of the realm is upheld during the elections.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, December 2, Mr. Dwumfour expressed satisfaction with the outcome of discussions held with the EC and other key stakeholders the previous week. He highlighted the GJA’s proactive efforts to negotiate for broader access and emphasized the association’s unwavering commitment to protecting press freedom and ensuring that journalists can effectively discharge their duties.
“We had meetings with the Commissioner on Wednesday and Thursday, and we have made it clear to them our position that we are going to ensure that the media is given unfettered access,” Mr. Dwumfour said. “This was something that was made public during our press conference.”
He further elaborated on the developments, citing a call from the president of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), who confirmed the EC’s decision to increase accreditations. “On Friday [November 29] afternoon, my colleague, the president of GIBA, called and said that the Commissioner, Madam Jean Mensa, called him, and they are offering us 4,500 accreditations to the collation centres and the regional collation centres,” he said.
One of the major advancements in the new arrangement is the flexibility of the accreditation cards. Unlike previous elections, where separate cards were issued for access to constituency and regional collation centres, this year’s accreditation will grant media personnel access to both levels of the collation process. “In fact, this time around, that same card will give you access to the constituency collation centre and the regional collation centre,” Mr. Dwumfour confirmed.
This decision is expected to streamline operations for journalists, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles and enabling them to focus on their core responsibilities during the elections. By granting broader access, the EC aims to foster transparency and ensure that the media can adequately inform the public about the electoral process.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by media organizations and journalists, who view it as a testament to the power of dialogue and stakeholder engagement in addressing challenges. It also underscores the critical role of media advocacy groups like the GJA and GIBA in championing the interests of journalists and safeguarding press freedom.
With the revised policy in place, journalists can now prepare to cover the elections comprehensively, from the grassroots at constituency levels to the broader regional stages. This level of access is expected to enhance the quality of reporting and provide Ghanaians with real-time, accurate information about the election outcomes.
The media’s role in ensuring a credible electoral process cannot be overstated. By holding institutions accountable and shedding light on irregularities, journalists play a pivotal role in upholding democracy. The GJA’s efforts to secure unfettered access for media personnel reflect a deep understanding of this responsibility and a commitment to fostering a fair and transparent electoral environment.
As the December 7 elections draw near, all eyes will be on the media to deliver timely and accurate reports, enabling citizens to make informed decisions and participate actively in the democratic process. The increased accreditation cap and the seamless access it provides are steps in the right direction, ensuring that the media remains a strong pillar of democracy in Ghana.
