By Priscilla Oye Ofori
Accra, Nov. 29, GNA— The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to grant the media full access to election collation centers on Election Day.
The call follows a recent meeting between the EC, GJA, and the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), where concerns about media coverage during the 2024 elections were discussed.
Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the GJA, speaking on behalf of the Media Coalition on Election 2024, emphasized that the media should be allowed unhindered access to all stages of the voting and ballot collation process.
He argued that restricting media access would undermine transparency, accountability, and access to crucial information, which are vital for ensuring credible elections.
Mr. Dwumfour also warned that limiting media coverage could exacerbate the spread of misinformation and disinformation, which are major concerns for the 2024 elections.
He stressed that such restrictions could lead media outlets to rely on unreliable sources, potentially compromising the integrity of the electoral process.
“In essence, restricting access to the media will hurt, rather than help, the quest for credible media reportage of the elections and the eventual outcome of same,” he stated.
The press conference, held in Accra, was organized by the Coalition, which includes the GJA, GIBA, the Private Newspaper Publishers Association (PRINPAG), and the New Media Association of Ghana.
The GJA President urged the EC to provide and improve mechanisms to facilitate the work of the media at all the levels of voting and collation of ballots.
“We hasten to add that we have had very cordial relations with the EC. Just this past Tuesday and Wednesday, the GJA, with the kind support of the EC, organised two zonal training workshops for 80 journalists across the country with the view to equipping them with the requisite skills to ensure credible election reporting,” he added.
Mr. Dwumfour said that the media’s acquired skills and expertise should be used for the benefit of the country and should not be restricted.
He stressed that limiting the media’s role would undermine their ability to serve the public interest effectively.
The Presidents of the various associations within the Coalition, all endorsed the GJA President’s call for unrestricted media access during the 2024 elections.
GNA