Press Statement By The Association Of Concerned Ghanaians In Diaspora (ACGID) ELECTORAL COMMISSION MUST RECONSIDER ITS STAND

The Association of Concerned Ghanaians in Diaspora (ACGID) notes with concern the decision by the Electoral Commission (EC) to deny Journalist and Media Practitioners Special Voting Rights in the forthcoming elections.

This decision, we believe is unfortunate and unacceptable as it would negatively impact on the transparency and subsequently the credibility of the entire process. The importance of the Media lies in its function as a watchdog on government and authority and as safeguard against abuses of power by public institutions such as the EC:

For nearly three decades all Ghanaians including the EC have recognized and indeed appreciate the vital role the Media have played in our democratic dispensation. It therefore beats our imagination that rather than encouraging Media Practitioners the EC is deliberately making their work difficult by taking them from the Special Voters´ List. In an election where the stakes are very high, it is necessary to have the media across the country to enable them inform the public. However, the current decision by the EC requiring Media Practitioners to vote on the same day like all other voters will invariably prevent those who will have to travel long distances to cover the elections from doing so. The EC has to be reminded that not only does the Media have the duty of imparting and providing information, the public also has a right to receive such information.

It should be noted that the post-elections violence that has often characterized elections in Africa is to large extent attributable to the perceived or real lack of fairness and transparency in the electoral process. Indeed events in other parts of the African continent provide important lessons which cannot be ignored. Against this backdrop, it becomes imperative for all stake holders particularly the EC to ensure that the process is transparent and accountable by encouraging and facilitating effective media coverage since there can be no accountability in the dark.

As concerned citizens who are genuinely interested in the peace and stability of our country, we call on Dr Kwadwo Afari Gyan and the EC to reconsider their stance and accord Media Practitioners the Special Voting Rights as has been the practice since 1992. The Intracigence of the EC in recent times does not help anybody in anyway and we would want to believe that all their actions are guided by the greater national interest.

Signed MR Kwaku Anane-Gyinde (Convener)

Dr (Mrs.) Florence Adjovi Kumade (Secretary)

Alhaji Karim Abdallah (PRO)