The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has called upon the Electoral Commission (EC) to reevaluate its choice to limit media access to collation centres in the upcoming 2024 elections.
The MFWA contends that the directive may compromise transparency and accountability within the electoral process, which significantly depends on the media’s role in oversight. In a memorandum addressed to its regional directors, the EC indicated that only eight media organizations would be permitted to cover the collation activities at constituency centers. This allocation consists of three television stations, each allowed two personnel, and five radio stations, each permitted one representative. For regional collation centers, access will be extended to 12 media outlets, which include five television stations with two personnel per station and seven radio stations with one representative each. Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairperson of the EC, defended the directive by stating that it aims to foster an environment conducive to a smooth collation process.
“In the wisdom of the Commission, having eight media houses at the constituency level and twelve at the regional level is appropriate,” he stated.
Nevertheless, the MFWA remains skeptical, asserting that these restrictions could impede thorough media coverage and diminish public confidence in the electoral process. Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the MFWA, expressed his astonishment at the EC’s decision during an interview with Channel One TV on November 26. He raised concerns regarding the omission of other media formats, such as newspapers and online platforms, from the accreditation list.
“Since when did media coverage become just radio and television? This action is misguided and should be reversed,” he said.
