Journalists threaten to sue EC over accreditation fee

04:32 - 02 November 2016

___5693197___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___5693197___2016___11___2___5___Charlotte-Osei

A statement signed by Eric Kofi Dzakpasu, Head of Communications at EC, Monday said “Accreditation tags will be given to only those who have formally applied for it and for a fee to be determined by the Commission.”

Some Ghanaian journalists have threatened to sue the Electoral Commission (EC) if it does not rescind its decision of charging an accreditation fee before issuing them.

President of a group known as International Standard Journalists Association, Dr Nana Oppong in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM dared the EC to take the next step since they will not pay the accreditation fee.

He said that journalists were committed to making this year’s elections a peaceful one but will not pay for accreditation.

Earlier this year the EC asked journalists in the Ashanti and Western Region to pay GHC 8 for accreditation before they were allowed to cover elections in their regions.

A statement signed by Eric Kofi Dzakpasu, Head of Communications at EC, Monday said: “Accreditation tags will be given to only those who have formally applied for it and for a fee to be determined by the Commission.”

Even though the amount to be paid is yet to be determined the statement added that media organisations have from Monday, 31st October to Monday 7th of November 2016 to apply for accreditation.

The statement further warned that any request submitted after the deadline of 7th November 2016 will not be considered.

The EC is yet to give reasons for this decision.