Reverse media access restrictions at collation centres – MFWA tells EC

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to reconsider and reverse its decision to limit media access to collation centres during the 2024 elections.

In a memo to its regional directors, the EC outlined that only eight media houses would be accredited at each constituency collation centre.

This allocation includes three TV stations with two personnel per station and five radio stations with one representative each.

At the regional collation centres, the EC stated that access would be granted to 12 media houses, comprising five TV stations with two personnel per station and seven radio stations with one representative each.

The MFWA argues that such restrictions could undermine transparency and accountability during the collation process, urging the EC to reconsider its position to uphold the role of the media in ensuring credible elections.

Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairperson of the EC, defended the decision, stating, “In the wisdom of the commission, the conclusion was that to create an enabling environment for a smooth collation exercise, let’s restrict the numbers.

“We think at the constituency level, having eight media houses is generally appropriate, and at the regional level, twelve media houses is very much appropriate.”

Despite these assurances, the MFWA argues that such restrictions could hinder the media’s ability to effectively cover the election process and ensure accountability.

The foundation has urged the EC to reconsider its stance and allow broader media access to promote transparency and public trust in the electoral process.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, November 26, Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director at MFWA expressed shock at the EC’s directive and stressed the need for the EC to reverse the directive.

“Since when did media coverage become just radio and television? what about newspapers, what about online publications?

“So, I think this is a very misdirected action and well as they say better late than never. This is something that I think should be reversed,” he stated.