The Media Coalition, an umbrella group comprising the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), and the New Media Association of Ghana (NMAG), has raised serious concerns over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to restrict media access to the National Collation Centre during the upcoming elections.

In a strongly-worded press release issued on December 6, 2024, the coalition described the EC’s move as a significant threat to the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.

The EC in a revised directive opted to issue limited accreditation to select media houses and journalists to its National Collation Centre, a decision that the coalition believes lacks fairness, transparency, and a consultative framework.

The Commission however, said all journalists issued with photo accreditation could access constituency and national collation centres.

The media coalition on the other hand, is urging the EC to immediately reconsider its decision, citing the importance of an open and inclusive approach to media coverage during elections.

"Restricting access to the media will gravely affect the integrity of the elections due to the absence of a fair and transparent methodology of selecting media for this event," the coalition stated.

The coalition further expressed disappointment over the lack of consultation with its members before the EC reached this decision. It noted that this approach violates the longstanding collaborative relationship between the media and the Electoral Commission, describing it as a "betrayal of good faith."

Concerns over selection process

The coalition questioned the methodology employed by the EC to select the media outlets and journalists for accreditation, particularly in the absence of any public disclosure regarding the criteria. "Even if such a methodology exists, its lack of transparency raises doubts about its representativeness and fairness," the coalition noted.

The group warned that this uncertainty could lead to widespread distrust and undermine public confidence in the electoral process. "Such uncertainty is deeply troubling because it can spell gloom and doom for the nation," the statement emphasised.

The Media Coalition reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism in election coverage and its ongoing efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation within the media space. However, it expressed concerns that the EC’s restrictive decision could undo these efforts and contribute to the spread of unverified information.

"Inasmuch as we have admonished our members to be professional in the discharge of their duties...we fear the decision taken by the EC may dissipate our efforts and gains," the coalition cautioned.

The leadership of the coalition, represented by Albert Dwumfour (GJA President), Cecil Sunkwa-Mills (GIBA President), Edwin Arthur (PRINPAG President), and Eugene Osafo Nkansah (NMAG President), signed the statement, reinforcing their united stance.