A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has raised concerns over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) refusal to grant them accreditation to observe the upcoming December 7 elections, a move they describe as a direct threat to Ghana’s democracy.

Addressing the media on the matter, the CSOs, including the Centre for Conflict Resolution-Ghana (CENCOR), Human Security Research Centre (HSRC), Jatikay Centre, FESF, and the Coalition of CSOs for Transparent Elections, accused the EC of undermining transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

“This troubling unilateral decision by EC Chair Jean Mensa, despite our formal appeal and subsequent follow-ups, raises serious questions about the Commission’s commitment to conducting free and fair elections,” the coalition stated.

The CSOs expressed deep concerns about the EC’s lack of justification for its actions and the outright dismissal of efforts to engage its leadership for clarification.

“The question is, what does the EC have to hide? For decades, election observation by independent CSOs has been fundamental to safeguarding the integrity of our democratic process,” the group asserted.

The coalition outlined the broader consequences of excluding CSOs from observing the elections:

• Eroding Public Trust: They argued that the lack of independent oversight could cast doubts on the credibility of the entire electoral process.

• Threatening Democratic Values: They emphasized that denying CSOs their role contradicts the principles of transparency and inclusivity that underpin Ghana’s democracy.

• Risk of Electoral Violence: Without independent monitoring, the likelihood of disputes and irregularities increases, heightening tensions that could lead to violence.

• International Fallout: They warned that the move could tarnish Ghana’s reputation as a democratic beacon in Africa, attracting criticism from the international community.

The coalition issued a three-point demand to the Electoral Commission:

1. Rescind the Decision: Grant accreditation to all CSOs that have applied to observe the elections.

2. Provide Justification: Clearly explain the reasons for the initial refusal to ensure accountability.

3. Engage Stakeholders: Convene an emergency meeting with CSOs to address the issue and restore trust in the electoral process.

The CSOs also called on Ghanaians, political parties, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and the international community to join their push for accountability and transparency.

The statement concluded with a strong reminder to the Electoral Commission:

“Democracy is not a gift; it is a collective responsibility. The EC must remember that it serves the people of Ghana, not its Chairperson. We will not relent in ensuring that the upcoming elections reflect the true will of the people.”

The statement was signed by representatives of the Centre for Conflict Resolution-Ghana (CENCOR), Human Security Research Centre (HSRC), Jatikay Centre, FESF and Coalition of CSOs for Transparent Elections