Ghana Electoral Commission Accused of Discrimination: Media Outlets Barred from Covering EC Programmes



By William Sarpong 


Concerns have emerged over the Ghana Electoral Commission’s (EC) alleged agenda of discrimination, following reports that some media houses are being prevented from covering its programmes at the Commission’s premises. 


Despite the mounting concerns, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has been conspicuously silent on the issue, leading many to question whether there is a deliberate attempt to keep certain sections of the media and, by extension, the public, in the dark.


What is more worrying is the fact that the GJA's attempted intervention has fallen flat with the security calling the bluff of the GJA. 


Some have raised the question: Is the Electoral Commission hiding something from the public? What exactly do they fear these credible media organizations might uncover?


The discrimination against the media has been heightened during the filling of nomination forms by the Presidential Aspirants. 


Checks made from EC's Security Post revealed that the order to discriminate came from above. 


It is essential for the Electoral Commission to remember that each media outlet has its unique audience—readers, listeners, and viewers who rely on them for information. 


By blocking access to certain media organizations, the EC risks undermining public trust in its operations at a critical time when neutrality, transparency, and accountability are paramount.


As an institution mandated to serve the entire population, the EC is expected to be impartial in its dealings with the public. 


Restricting media coverage is not only a deviation from this obligation but also raises questions about what the EC may be hiding from Ghanaians.


The Commission must extend equal respect and treatment to all media houses, regardless of their perceived affiliations, and ensure that the public has access to a full and balanced understanding of the Commission’s work. 


Democracy thrives on transparency, and the media plays a key role in holding institutions like the Electoral Commission accountable especially when the mandate of the media is enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.


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