The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to reconsider its decision to limit media access to collation centres during the December 7 polls.
The MFWA argues that the directive could undermine transparency and accountability in the electoral process, which relies heavily on the media’s oversight role.
In a memo to its regional directors, the EC outlined that only eight media houses would be accredited at each constituency collation centre.
This allocation includes three TV stations with two personnel per station and five radio stations with one representative each.
For regional collation centres, access would be granted to 12 media outlets, comprising five television stations with two personnel per station and seven radio stations with one representative each.
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Deputy Chairperson of the EC, Dr. Eric Bossman Asare, justified the decision, stating, “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.”
However, the Executive Director at MFWA, Sulemana Braimah, remains unconvinced, insisting that the restrictions could hinder the media’s ability to effectively cover the election process and ensure accountability.
“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.