CSOs unhappy over EC’s refusal to grant accreditation

Election Live Reporting

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) involved in election observation, led by the Centre for Conflict Resolution-Ghana (CENCOR) has expressed grave disappointment over the Electoral Commission of Ghana’s refusal to grant them accreditation to monitor the upcoming 2024 General Elections.

The group argue that this decision reflects a lack of accountability and prudence on the part of the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa with potential consequences for both the state and her leadership.

The affected organizations 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.

Speaking at a press conference, Security Analyst and Executive Director of Jatikay Centre, Adib Saani, urged the EC to reconsider its decision and provide accreditation to all eligible CSOs that applied for observer roles.

“It is indeed a grievous affront to democracy. It has taken all of us so much effort to build.

Miss Jean Mensa’s unjustified denial of accreditation to the CSO is not only a breach of the right of our organization to participate and contribute to ensuring a free, fair and credible Electoral process that the EC itself espouse but also raises critical questions about the EC’s commitment to an open and democratic election process.

“It is not only surprising but worrying that the EC chairperson could act in such impunity as to disrespectfully refuse or deny accreditation to CSOs to observe the upcoming elections.”

Meanwhile Executive Director of the Centre for Conflict Resolution-Ghana, Lt. Gen. Arnold Quainoo (Retired), on his part expressed his disappointment, emphasizing the credibility and longstanding reputation of his organization.

“You need certain qualities to be an observer, you need credibility you have to have strong morals and standing. Physically you have to be strong to endure, you must be honest.

“You must be capable of calling a spade a spade, for if you have those qualities and people want to do that job, and then you are denied you are told to go aside, and you don’t even know because you don’t have those qualities and that is a sort of worry. ”