Were Not Asking For Too Much Simply Requesting An Opportunity To Observe The Election CSOs To EC

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has expressed disappointment over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) refusal to grant them accreditation to monitor the 2024 election.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Security Analyst and Executive Director of the Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building, Adib Saani, urged the EC to reconsider its stance and extend accreditation to all eligible CSOs that applied.

He criticised the EC’s decision, describing it as a lack of accountability and transparency, emphasising the vital role local CSOs have played in consolidating Ghana’s democracy since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1992.

“We are not asking for too much; we are simply requesting an chance to observe and ensure transparency. Even international organizations are granted accreditation. How much more local CSOs which have consistently contributed to our democratic growth? We are deeply concerned about the actions of the Electoral Commission,” he remarked.

The affected CSOs who have been denied accreditation include the Centre for Conflict Resolution-Ghana (CENCOR), the Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building (JATIKAY CENTRE), the Human Security Research Center Ghana (HSRCGh), and the FESF Foundation.

The CSOs further called on the EC to prioritise transparency and collaboration, stressing that their participation as observers is crucial for ensuring trust and credibility in the electoral process.