A coalition of six civil society organizations (CSOs) has announced its intention to monitor polling stations across the country during Saturday's presidential and parliamentary elections, despite not having accreditation from the Electoral Commission (EC).

The CSOs, which include the Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building, Election Watch Ghana, and the Centre for Conflict Resolution, stated that they had repeatedly requested accreditation from the EC for several months but were denied without explanation.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, the CSOs expressed frustration at what they described as deliberate attempts by the EC to deny them their legal right as Ghanaians to observe the electoral process.

Addib Sani, a member of the group and Executive Director of the Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building, called the EC's actions a threat to the country’s peace and security. He argued that the denial of accreditation to the CSOs undermines public trust in the electoral process.

“Why is she afraid of CSOs? We are simply here to observe. Why are we being denied access? It is safe to say that the EC's actions pose a significant security threat to the peace of the country as we approach this election,” he stated.

“Transparency is crucial, and the refusal of the EC to grant us accreditation to observe the elections undermines public trust. Without independent observers, a vacuum of accountability is created, raising doubts about the fairness of the electoral process,” he added.

Despite the Electoral Commission's refusal to grant accreditation, members of the coalition have reaffirmed their strong commitment to monitor the electoral process across the country on Saturday.

Jude Balma, the Convener of Election Watch Ghana, stated, “The EC has denied us accreditation. We even wrote to inquire about the reasons for the denial, but they have not responded. Election Watch Ghana, with over 4,000 volunteers, will be out there to observe the election on Saturday. No one can stop us from carrying out our observation.”

The CSOs have pledged to ensure that the election is free, fair, and credible. Efforts to contact the EC for a response to the CSOs' allegations have been unsuccessful.