NCA introduces (DAB) Radio in Ghana with Kessben FM Kumasi & 17 other stations
Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) in Ghana has begun its testing phase thanks to the National Communications Authority (NCA).
Ghana becomes the first country in West Africa and the fourth in Africa to adopt this invention, which enables radio stations to reach cities outside of their surrounding areas and expand their audience.
In Accra, there will be 11 radio stations participating in the trial, while Kumasi will have an additional 7 stations.
DAB has the potential to change the radio environment in Ghana, according to Joe Anokye, director general of the National Communications Authority.
“DAB provides good quality audio, supports the provision of value-added services and spectrum efficiency. For example in this trial, up to 18 existing FM stations in Accra and Kumasi will share one frequency channel out of the DFH boundary which is 174 to 230 megahertz and a transmitter in Kumasi and Accra. With the concerns raised about restrictions on authorised coverage areas for FM stations, we will be testing the possibility of extending coverage. Accordingly, in this trial, stations in Accra will extend their coverage to Kumasi and vice versa.
“Throughout the years, Ghana’s unwavering commitment to embracing digital innovation has propelled us to the forefront of digital transformation on the continent and our government through its digital Ghana Agenda launched in 2017 instituted projects and programmes geared towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring digital inclusion for all sectors of the economy.”
“We in the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation have been focused on shaping and crafting policies that not only facilitate the creation of information and communications, technological infrastructure but also drive the development of services that foster economic competitiveness,” Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful said at the launch in Accra.
