Story by George Yawson Vineh
With Ghana’s general elections approaching in December, stakeholders are urging government to commit to safeguarding internet access and preventing any potential shutdown during the electoral period.
This appeal was voiced at the National Integrity Forum, a key event in the Digital Rights and Elections in Africa Meetings (DREAM), held in Accra.
The forum brought together representatives from Civil Society Organizations, government, political parties, and media, all emphasizing the essential role of unrestricted internet access in promoting a transparent and democratic electoral process.
Participants warned that any internet restrictions could erode public trust and compromise the integrity of the elections.
On his part, Executive Director of ASEPA, Mensah Thompson called on government to play its part in ensuring the conduct and supervision of elections devoid of internet shutdowns.
He further called on international observers to address the threat of internet shutdown during this year’s elections.