Ghana - Current situation - History

24.08.2023

On 22 August 2023, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Honourable Ursula Owusu-Ekuful officially launched the trial phase of the Digital Audio Broadcasting service in Ghana. With the launch, Ghana becomes the first country in West Africa and the fourth on the continent to deploy the DAB service.

The DAB platform in Ghana is being implemented by the National Communications Authority (NCA), and involves 18 stations – 11 based in Accra and 7 in Kumasi. With the commencement of the trial, listeners in the two cities will be able to access any of the stations using DAB+ receivers. The initial trial is expected to last six months after which the NCA will review and decide the next phase of its deployment.

The 11 stations in Accra are Unique FM, Asempa FM, Peace FM, Citi FM, Class FM, Oman FM, Asaase Radio, Atlantis Radio, Radio Univers, Starr FM and Hot FM.

The seven in Kumasi are Kessben FM, Radio Focus, Orange FM, Angel FM, Opemsuo FM, Wontumi FM and Sompa FM.

Watch the GBC Ghana News Hour report on the launch of DAB trials on 22 August 2023.

23.08.2023

Watch the GBC Ghana News Hour report on the launch of DAB trials on 22 August 2023.

In July 2023, the National Communications Authority (NCA) announced a DAB+ trial in Accra and Kumasi, commencing in August 2023. 18 FM stations involved in this trial will be heard simultaneously in Accra and Kumasi.

Announcing the trial, the NCA said: "With severe constraints on FM radio frequencies in major Ghanaian cities, DAB offers a solution to expand coverage and cater for the growing demand for sound broadcasting services."

"This trial positions Ghana as the first country in West Africa and the fourth in Africa to deploy DAB."