EC Halts Directives to Restrict Media Access at 2024 Election Collation Centres – Ghana Information On-line
EC Halts Directives to Restrict Media Access at 2024 Election Collation Centres.
The Electoral Commission has suspended its determination to restrict the variety of accredited media homes allowed at collation centres on December 7.
The Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Bossman Asare, introduced the suspension on the “Graphic National Development Series” in Accra on Wednesday.
The determination got here after discussions with the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), which had raised issues.
Dr. Asare assured that additional engagement would happen to develop a brand new coverage on media entry to collation centres.
He stated the unique directive was to not limit media protection however to handle the method successfully.
“The EC did that as a result of we needed to forestall chaos on the collation centres…We mustn’t neglect that you would be able to be in a selected area and there can be about 400 media homes, and the collation centre could also be smaller.
“So, if we want to give unimpeded access to all the media houses, we may end up having challenges…so we issued that statement just to ensure orderliness at the collation centres, and not to restrict the media from reporting on the elections” he famous.
The Commission in a memo dated November 25, 2024, indicated, amongst others, that eight media organisations can be accredited to cowl collation actions within the constituencies.
Dr Asare, talking on the discussion board, maintained that the EC wouldn’t undermine the position of media in guaranteeing free and honest elections.
Dr. Bossman Asare acknowledged that the Electoral Commission (EC) aimed to both enhance or keep the 79 % voter turnout recorded within the 2020 elections.
He assured that the Commission was dedicated to making sure a profitable election, because it had executed in earlier years.
The Deputy Commissioner additionally highlighted the EC’s preparations for the upcoming election and inspired voters to come back out on Election Day to forged their ballots.
“For every registered voter, the Commission has printed a Presidential and Parliamentary ballot for you…so if it means you have to travel to Tamale or any part of the country to vote, please do it…and that will be your civic responsibility as a Ghanaian,” he stated.
He urged political events and candidates to teach their brokers on the electoral course of to assist stop chaos at polling stations.
Dr Asare highlighted collaboration with safety businesses to make sure sanity prevailed on the polls, including that the 2024 elections would “reflect the will of the people” because it had “no interest” within the election.
The Graphic National Development Series was on the theme: “Sustaining Civic & Democratic Governance Systems for Development, Mandate of All Citizens.”
The discussion board, amongst different issues, goals to construct nationwide consensus on points and affect coverage.
Mr. Ato Afful, Managing Director, Graphic Communications Group, emphasised the corporate’s dedication to selling civic and democratic governance, and supporting clear and accountable governance.
Ahead of the December polls, he urged the youth to train their civic obligation responsibly and inspired political actors to prioritise the nationwide curiosity as a substitute of partisan and parochial positive factors.
Source: primenewsghana.com
