By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Director of Training at the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, has hinted that the commissioners at Ghana’s electoral management body, have dedicated 16 different fax machines, one each for every region to transmit the 2024 regional electoral results.
According to him, the decision to have a dedicated fax machine for each regional collation center was to ensure transparency and accuracy in the tabulation of results from the presidential election.
“The commission has these dedicated fax machines to each regional collation centers to provide clarity and transparency. For instance, there can never be a situation where the results from say western north region will be transmitted through that another regional fax machine or line,” reiterated.
Dr. QUAICOE gave the hint, at a days media training workshop for some selected journalists from the southern part of Ghana, organized by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), in collaboration with Ghana’s electoral management body in Accra.
During the training, Dr. Quaicoe also emphasized the media’s critical role in promoting public debate, educating citizens, and monitoring the integrity of the electoral process.
He noted that democratic elections are unattainable without an informed and impartial media, underscoring the need for journalists to adhere to professional standards and ethical principles.
According to him, the media serves as a vital stakeholder in elections by disseminating accurate information, offering balanced coverage of parties and candidates, and fostering transparency in the electoral process.
Dr. Quaicoe explained that the EC relies on the media for voter education and timely updates on election activities, while media practitioners depend on the EC for accurate and up-to-date election information.
The workshop also drew a distinction between election observation and monitoring, outlining the media’s role as impartial observers without direct administrative responsibilities.
Dr. Quaicoe encouraged journalists to familiarize themselves with electoral laws, terminologies, and procedures to enhance their credibility and effectiveness during the electoral process.
Participants were reminded of the importance of accreditation, which grants journalists access to polling stations and collation centers, enabling them to report accurately and contribute to credible elections.
The Vice President of GJA, Madam Linda Asante Agyei, who took participants through the GJA’s Election Guidelines urged practitioners to adhere to the media code of conduct, avoiding misinformation and content likely to incite discord.
Madam Asante Agyei underscored the crucial role of journalists in ensuring peaceful and credible elections, stating that the workshop aimed to prepare participants to face challenges before, during, and after the elections.
“We are equipping you with the necessary tools to ensure that you go into the election safely and come out of it safely,” she stressed.
Below are some key safety guidelines she shared;
- Preparation Before Coverage: Journalists were urged to research potential hotspots, understand local laws, and prepare emergency contact lists. Identifying the attitudes of local political actors and voters was also highlighted as critical.
- Physical Safety During Coverage: Maintaining a low profile, safeguarding equipment, and being mindful of surroundings were noted as essential measures to prevent harassment or physical harm.
- Digital Safety: Participants were advised to secure devices, use encryption tools, and safeguard against cyberattacks and online harassment.
- Psychological Safety: The workshop addressed managing stress, anxiety, and trauma, with a call for journalists to mentally prepare for verbal attacks and abusive language, particularly from political actors.
- Election Day Safety: Journalists were reminded to plan their routes, stay informed about local conditions, and be prepared for emergencies, drawing lessons from past incidents such as Ayawaso West Wuogon and Techiman South.
- Post-Election Vigilance: Media practitioners were urged to remain alert after the elections to avoid potential tensions and maintain impartiality in their reporting.
