Ghana

Last update: 29.10.2024 - older versions

On 16 October 2024, Ghana's National Communications Authority (NCA) invited applications for the grant of Authorisations to establish, maintain and operate a Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) Multiplex Service in the Republic of Ghana. The Selection and Award Procedure Document can be accessed on the Authority’s website. The Authority intends to issue one authorisation for a Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) multiplex service.

The objectives for the award of the DAB Multiplex Operator Authorisation are:

• transition the DAB+ trial to a commercial service
• create a structured DAB environment that facilitates the growth of digital sound broadcasting services and a vibrant receiver market.

The announcement of winners is expected on 5th December 2024.

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 video of the launch event.

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

In a presentation at ABU Digital Broadcasting Symposium 2024, the NCA's next steps were set out as follows:

• Promotion of DAB services
• Continue to promote DAB during trial period for listeners to acquire receivers
• Monitoring
• Continuous monitoring of DAB transmission parameters for optimisation.
• Assessment of feedback from listeners.
• Public awareness campaign
• Public education on benefits of DAB.
• Expansion of DAB trial into other regions
• Improved access to information and entertainment
• Enhance communication and public service broadcasting
• Create economic opportunities
• Bridge the digital divide
• Stimulate technological advancement
• Promote cultural preservation and diversity
• Development of regulatory framework
• Promoting innovation and competition
• Protecting consumer interests
• Fostering the growth of the DAB ecosystem