Former Auditor-General, Daniel Domelevo, has expressed concern over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to restrict the number of media personnel permitted to cover activities at constituency and regional collation centers during the upcoming elections.
The EC, through its Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, Dr. Bossman Asare, announced that media coverage at constituency collation centers will be limited to eight journalists, while regional collation centers will admit only 12.
Dr. Domelevo, speaking on the matter, questioned the rationale behind the EC’s decision in an era where transparency and accountability are paramount. He argued that limiting media access could foster suspicion among the public and undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
“Why, in today’s age, would you limit the media? If you don’t want transparency, it means there’s something fishy. We shouldn’t be doing things in darkness, he said.
He called for solidarity among media practitioners, suggesting that journalists take a firm stance on the issue. “The media should unite and say, either you allow all of us or we won’t come. If the EC doesn’t want media coverage, then they can proceed without it, Mr. Domelevo asserted.
He also urged the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, to reconsider the directive, emphasizing the importance of openness in the electoral process.