The Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Jean Mensa has announced comprehensive media access to all election collation centers nationwide.
The announcement came during a detailed press briefing in Accra on December 7, 2024, signaling a major shift in the Commission’s transparency protocols.
“We are ushering in a new era of electoral transparency in Ghana,” Mensa declared, highlighting the departure from previous practices.
Since 1992, when Ghana returned to multiparty democracy, media personnel were traditionally restricted from collation centers until the final moments before result declarations.
The new policy grants journalists unrestricted access to both regional and constituency collation centers, allowing real-time coverage of the vote tabulation process.
This unprecedented move is designed to enhance public trust and reduce speculation and misinformation during the crucial vote-counting period.
According to the EC chair, accredited media houses will receive detailed guidelines outlining the protocols for coverage, including designated areas for reporters and technical requirements for broadcasting equipment. The Commission has also established a media coordination center to facilitate smooth information flow between election officials and journalists.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and transparent electoral system,” Mensa explained.
She added that the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and media representatives.
The announcement has been welcomed by democracy advocates who view it as a significant step toward strengthening Ghana’s electoral integrity.
Media organizations are now preparing specialized teams for comprehensive coverage of the collation process across the country’s 275 constituencies.
The EC has also confirmed that training sessions will be conducted for journalists to familiarize them with collation center operations and electoral procedures, ensuring professional and accurate reporting of the process.
By: Peterina Oforiwaa Frempong
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