Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the Director of Training at the Electoral Commission (EC), revealed that the commissioners have allocated 16 fax machines—one for each region—to transmit the 2024 regional electoral results.
He explained that this measure was taken to ensure transparency and accuracy in the tabulation of presidential election results.
“The commission has assigned these dedicated fax machines to each regional collation center to promote clarity and transparency. For example, results from the Western North Region will only be transmitted using the specific fax machine designated for that region, preventing any mix-up,” he emphasized.
Dr. Quaicoe made these comments during a media training workshop for journalists from southern Ghana. The workshop, organized by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in collaboration with the EC, took place in Accra.
During the session, Dr. Quaicoe also highlighted the media’s crucial role in fostering public dialogue, educating citizens, and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
Dr. Quaicoe emphasized that democratic elections cannot be achieved without an informed and impartial media, highlighting the importance of journalists upholding professional standards and ethical conduct.
He pointed out that the media is a key stakeholder in the electoral process, playing a critical role in disseminating accurate information, providing balanced coverage of political parties and candidates, and promoting transparency.
Dr. Quaicoe noted that the EC depends on the media for voter education and timely updates on election-related activities, while journalists rely on the EC for precise and current election information.
The workshop also clarified the difference between election observation and monitoring, emphasizing that the media’s role is to act as neutral observers without direct administrative involvement.
Dr. Quaicoe urged journalists to become familiar with electoral laws, terminologies, and procedures to bolster their credibility and effectiveness during the electoral period.
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.
Madam Linda Asante Agyei, the Vice President of the GJA, who spoke on the GJA’s Election Guidelines, encouraged journalists to adhere strictly to the media code of conduct and to avoid spreading misinformation or content that could incite conflict.
She underscored the vital role of journalists in ensuring peaceful and credible elections, noting that the workshop aimed to equip participants to navigate challenges before, during, and after the elections.
“We are providing you with the tools you need to approach the election safely and emerge safely,” she emphasized.
Some key safety guidelines shared below;
- 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.
