By Edward Acquah
Accra, Nov. 27, GNA- The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has assured journalists of reaching an agreement with the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure “unfettered access” to election collation centres on Election Day.
The Association said, “access to election collation centres should be unfettered because it is the right to information.”
Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President GJA, stated that while the EC had a “genuine case” for restricting media coverage at constituency and regional collation centres, it would undermine access to information.
He made these remarks during a training session on election reporting organized by the GJA in collaboration with the EC at Oyarifa, near Accra.
Some media practitioners had raised concerns about the EC’s decision to select media houses for accreditation to its collation centres on Election Day.
In response, the EC clarified that it was engaging with the GJA and the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association to find a “workable and acceptable” arrangement.
Mr. Dwumfour said that the GJA would advocate for unrestricted access to the collation centres for all journalists.
He also suggested that while ensuring access, measures should be put in place to prevent journalists from interfering with the work of EC officials at the centres.
“The EC has made a genuine case and has a genuine concern. But I can assure you that as far as the GJA is concerned, everybody will have access to the collation centre,” Mr Dwumfour said.
The GJA President urged journalists to prioritise their personal safety during the coverage of the elections and avoid chaotic situations that could expose them to danger.
Mr. Dwumfour also served notice that the GJA would strongly oppose any attacks on journalists performing their duties.
He urged individuals dissatisfied with the work of journalists to seek civil remedies to address their grievances.
Dr. Serebour Quaicoo, Head of Training at the Electoral Commission (EC), urged journalists to prioritize accuracy in their reporting and avoid being used to spread misinformation before, during, and after the elections.
He appealed to media practitioners to always seek clarification from the Commission on electoral processes and to cross-check information before publishing.
“Avoid publishing hearsays. People can be mischievous and if we do not take care, we will help people propagate false information. Do not underrate the impact of your stories,” Dr Quaicoo said.
GNA