MFWA, Access Now, and Africa Open Data demand unrestricted internet access ahead of Ghana’s 2024 elections
Human Rights Reporters
3 min read
A coalition of advocacy organizations, including the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Access Now, and the Africa Open Data and Internet Research Foundation, has issued urgent demands for the Ghanaian government and telecommunications providers to ensure unrestricted internet access during the critical lead-up to the country’s 2024 elections.
In a press conference held today, November 26, 2024, speakers highlighted the essential role of a free internet in protecting democratic processes and safeguarding human rights.
Felicia Antonio, Campaign Manager at Access Now, called upon President Nana Akufo-Addo and all relevant authorities to publicly commit to keeping the internet open and secure throughout the elections.
“We have sent an open letter to the government emphasizing the need for valid assurances regarding internet access for all citizens as they prepare to vote on December 7, 2024,” she stated.
The organizers pointed to the essential functions of the internet during elections, including allowing free expression, facilitating public discourse on candidates, and enabling the work of journalists and human rights defenders.
“An open internet is critical for an inclusive, free, and fair election process,” Antonio stressed, urging the government to adopt, implement, and actively enforce measures that support these rights.
Wisdom Donkor from the Africa Open Data and Internet Research Foundation reinforced this message, noting that Ghana has been a beacon of internet freedom in a region plagued by shutdowns.
“We must uphold our exemplary track record of conducting elections without disrupting internet services,” he stated.
The organizers asked the government for a commitment to maintain this status quo and to reaffirm Ghana’s role in promoting internet freedom as a member of the Freedom Online Coalition.
Kwaku Asante Korbea, Senior Programme Officer at MFWA, urged telecommunications companies, including MTN, Telcel, and AirtelTigo, to refrain from taking any actions that could lead to internet shutdowns.
He pointed out the UN’s guidance on business and human rights, emphasizing telecoms’ responsibilities to mitigate rights violations in their operations.
“We must ensure that there are no disruptions to communication platforms during this critical time,” he insisted.
Muheeb Saeed, Program Manager for Freedom of Expression at MFWA, concluded the event with a powerful address, emphasizing the importance of a secure information environment as the election approaches.
He stated, “In situations like this, timely, accurate, and trustworthy information is key.
Accurate information ensures that voters are not manipulated by false narratives but are rather empowered to take decisions from an informed position.”
He echoed the coalition’s calls, highlighting the dangers of misinformation: “If allowed to prevail, misinformation and disinformation can erode trust and lead to skepticism about electoral outcomes… It is therefore critical that the authorities avoid the mistake of shutting down the internet under any public order pretext.
In conclusion, the coalition issued a series of recommendations aimed at protecting digital freedoms in the lead-up to the elections:
- Public Assurance: Government and telecommunications companies should publicly assure Ghanaians of uninterrupted internet access before, during, and after the elections.
- Non-compliance with Shutdown Orders: Telecommunication companies must commit to resisting any government orders that could lead to internet disruptions.
- High-Quality Service: ISPs should ensure high-quality, secure, and unrestricted internet access in line with their service license conditions.
- Transparency in Operations: ISPs need to inform the public about potential technical disruptions and take necessary actions to remedy any service issues promptly.
Ghana has shown resilience and maturity in keeping the internet on during past elections, and we are confident that we will maintain this enviable record.”
As Ghana heads towards its elections, these demands underscore the broad consensus on the need for a secure and open internet as a foundation for democratic participation and accountability.
The coalition of organizations remains committed to supporting the government in its obligation to uphold these principles
Source:Joseph Kobla Wemakor
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