The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to reconsider its decision to limit media access to collation centres during the 2024 elections.According to the MFWA, this restriction could compromise transparency and accountability, as the media plays a critical role in ensuring oversight during the electoral process.

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In a memo addressed to its regional directors, the EC announced that only eight media outlets would receive accreditation to report on collation activities at constituency centres. This arrangement includes three television stations with two representatives each and five radio stations with one representative apiece.

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For regional collation centres, the EC plans to allow 12 media organisations, comprising five television stations with two representatives each and seven radio stations with one representative each.Defending the directive, Dr. Bossman Asare, the EC’s Deputy Chairperson, stated that the measure aims to foster a conducive environment for efficient collation.

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“In the wisdom of the Commission, having eight media houses at the constituency level and twelve at the regional level is appropriate,” he stated.The MFWA, however, remains skeptical, arguing that the restrictions could limit thorough media coverage and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.

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Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on November 26, Sulemana Braimah, the Executive Director of MFWA, expressed surprise at the EC’s decision. He also criticized the omission of other media formats, including newspapers and online platforms, from the accreditation arrangement.“Since when did media coverage become just radio and television? This action is misguided and should be reversed,” he said.

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