As Ghana approaches its highly anticipated December 7 elections, potential internet shutdowns have sparked concerns about the implications on democratic governance, transparency, and citizen engagement.
In an era where digital platforms are pivotal for election monitoring, political campaigns, and public discourse, any attempt to curtail internet access raises significant questions about freedom of expression and the integrity of the electoral process.
In this context, concerns over potential Internet blackouts during Ghana’s upcoming elections have sparked calls for government assurances to ensure uninterrupted access.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and its partners highlighted the issue during a press conference in Accra, underscoring the detrimental impacts of such measures.
Mr. Kweku Krobea Asante, Senior Programs Officer at the MFWA, emphasized the importance of safeguarding Internet accessibility during elections. He emphasized;
“This call is because of what we have seen happening in other countries, especially even in Africa. Countries who have had even stellar press freedom and democratic values, even than Ghana, in recent years have been shutting down the Internet. And so, it has become necessary for us to protect what we have and call for the consolidation of our democratic process, by calling on the government to assure citizens that it is going to keep the Internet on.”
Mr. Kweku Krobea Asante Senior Programs Officer at the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
Mr. Asante’s remarks reflect a growing regional trend where governments restrict digital communication to suppress dissent or control the narrative during protests or elections.
Moreover, Ms. Felicia Anthonio, an advocate and campaign manager for the Keep It On initiative at Access Now, elaborated on the far-reaching consequences of Internet blackouts. She emphasized;
“But then in places where the shutdown has happened, —it only brings chaos because it means media cannot work, activists cannot work, people cannot access information.”
Ms. Felicia Anthonio Campaign Manager Keep It On initiative at Access Now
Ms. Anthonio further highlighted the dangerous context in which these shutdowns often occur. She reiterated;
“Sometimes, we’ve seen in countries when these shutdowns happen, they don’t happen on a normal, relaxed day. Maybe they are protesting on the streets, and then you see violence against protesters by the security. Sometimes it results in killings, like killings of several citizens, as we’ve seen in different parts of the world. And so, it’s really scary.”
Ms. Felicia Anthonio Campaign Manager Keep It On initiative at Access Now
Her remarks underscore the severe human rights implications of such measures, particularly during heightened periods of political activity.
A Call for Action
The MFWA and its partners are urging the government, communication stakeholders, and regulators to take proactive steps to prevent Internet disruptions. This is a collective commitment to ensuring Internet accessibility as a fundamental democratic right.
Meanwhile, Ghana has long been a beacon of democracy and press freedom in Africa. However, the increasing prevalence of Internet shutdowns on the continent poses a threat to these values.
The MFWA’s call aligned with global efforts to safeguard Internet access as an enabler of free expression, transparency, and accountability.
However, the possibility of Internet blackouts during Ghana’s elections is a pressing concern that demands urgent attention.
The MFWA and its partners having made a compelling case for government assurances to uphold Internet accessibility, is a testament to the devastating impacts they observed so far.
This appeal underscores the fact that shutting down the Internet is not a solution and that, it’s a retrogression that threatens the very fabric of democracy.
As the election period approaches, stakeholders must work collaboratively to ensure that Ghana remains a model of democratic excellence in Africa, where the Internet continues to serve as a tool for empowerment and not suppression.
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