GJA President Assures Unrestricted Media Access to Collation Centers

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has assured media houses and journalists across the country that they will be granted full and unrestricted access to cover the upcoming December 7 general elections. His statement comes in response to concerns raised by media outlets about the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to limit media access at the constituency and regional collation centres.

Earlier, the EC had announced a cap of 3,308 accreditations for media personnel to cover the elections. This decision sparked significant criticism from journalists and media organizations, who argued that such a number was insufficient for effective media coverage, especially at key collation centres. These concerns were raised in the context of the vital role the media plays in ensuring transparency and fairness during the electoral process.

After receiving considerable feedback from media bodies, the EC revised its policy, increasing the number of available accreditations to 4,500. This change came as a result of successful engagements between the GJA, the EC, and other key stakeholders involved in the election process. Speaking on Citi FM’s Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, December 2, Mr. Dwumfour reassured the media community that journalists would have full access to the collation centres at both the constituency and regional levels.

According to Mr. Dwumfour, discussions with the EC took place on Wednesday and Thursday of the previous week. The GJA made it clear to the Commission that journalists must be allowed to freely cover the election process, including access to the crucial collation centres. He highlighted that the EC had responded positively, as demonstrated by the increased number of accreditations.

On November 29, 2024, the President of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) received a call from the EC Chair, Madam Jean Mensa, informing him of the increased number of accreditations. Mr. Dwumfour noted that under the new accreditation policy, journalists will be issued a single accreditation card that will grant them access to both constituency and regional collation centres. This move simplifies the accreditation process, making it easier for journalists to cover the election at different levels without requiring multiple cards.

The increased number of accreditations and the single-card access system are seen as a significant improvement, ensuring that media outlets have the resources they need to cover the elections comprehensively. The GJA President also emphasized that the media’s role in the electoral process is critical, and the access to collation centres will help to enhance transparency and accountability during the vote tallying process.

Mr. Dwumfour’s commitment to ensuring media access is a positive step towards fostering an open and transparent electoral process. It follows concerns from media bodies about possible restrictions on coverage, and his reassurance will likely be welcomed by journalists across the country, who play a crucial role in informing the public and holding electoral processes to scrutiny.

Furthermore, Mr. Dwumfour also acknowledged the collaboration with other media associations, such as GIBA, in making this outcome possible. He expressed appreciation for the collective efforts to ensure that the media can freely report on the election process. This collaboration underscores the importance of unity among media stakeholders in advocating for press freedom and the right to access public information.

The GJA President also took the opportunity to reiterate that the media must be allowed to perform its duties without hindrance or restrictions, emphasizing that a free press is an essential part of any democratic society. He assured that the GJA would continue to work closely with the EC and other relevant bodies to safeguard the interests of journalists and media houses during the election period.

In conclusion, the GJA President’s assurance that journalists will have unrestricted access to the collation centres represents a positive development in the lead-up to the December 7 elections. This decision follows successful negotiations with the EC and other stakeholders and addresses concerns raised by media organizations about inadequate accreditation. The new accreditation system, which allows journalists to access both constituency and regional collation centres with a single card, is expected to facilitate smoother and more comprehensive election coverage. With this commitment to media freedom, the GJA aims to ensure that the election process is transparent, fair, and accountable.