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.

Still from GBC Ghana News Hour showing Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful

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

Last update: 24.08.2023 - older versions

The trial launched in August 2023 will cover Accra and Kumasi.

 

In this country there is

on air.

Simulcast on AM / FM Exclusive on digital Total of services
DAB+ programmes 18 0 18

Last update: 24.08.2023 - older versions

On 22 August 2023, trials were launched by the National Communications Authority (NCA), broadcasting 18 stations – 11 based in Accra and 7 in Kumasi. The initial trial is expected to last six months after which the NCA will review and decide the next phase of its deployment.

Ghana opens applications for DAB multiplex operator
29.10.2024 - Top story - NCA Ghana WorldDAB Member - Ghana Ghana
Ghana's National Communications Authority (NCA) has 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; and 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.

(National Communications Authority (NCA)) Read more


DAB+ is gaining ground in Ghana, Indonesia and Bahrain
10.11.2023 - Ghana Ghana - Indonesia Indonesia - Bahrain Bahrain
DAB+ may be best known for its widespread adoption in Europe, but this digital radio standard is also taking hold in other parts of the world. The progress of DAB+ implementations in Ghana, Indonesia and Bahrain as covered at the WorldDAB Summit 2023 this week. The session “Global growth of DAB+ led by emerging territories” was part of the one-day in-person/online event, hosted at the Design Offices München Atlas in Munich, Germany. DAB+ in Ghana was described by Christiana L. Attrams, assistant manager of the National Communications Authority’s Engineering Division. The NCA is conducting DAB+ trial broadcasts in the cities of Accra (11 FM stations being simulcast) and Kamasi (seven FM stations being simulcast), using VHF Band III.

(Radio World) Read more


VIDEO: DAB+ A firm foundation for radio
03.10.2023 - WorldDAB News - British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) WorldDAB Member - European Broadcasting Union (EBU) WorldDAB Member - Deutschlandradio WorldDAB Member - Norway Norway - Ghana Ghana
WorldDAB’s session at IBC explored the economic benefits and sustainable nature of DAB+ with inspiring success stories from around the world on how DAB+ is fuelling creativity, culture, enterprise and innovation. Watch this session to hear about the resilient and ever-evolving world of digital broadcast radio.

(IBC) Read more


K-Net celebrates milestone deployment of DAB for NCA Ghana, with Paneda/2wcom systems
20.09.2023 - Paneda WorldDAB Member - 2wcom Systems GmbH WorldDAB Member - Ghana Ghana
K-Net, a leading innovator in cutting-edge technology solutions, is proud to announce a significant milestone in its journey of technological excellence. The recently installed DAB radio system, meticulously executed under K-Net's operational excellence, showcases the company's dedication to enhancing the broadcasting experience for its valued customers. Paneda has provided a complete virtual server-based platform and consists of a complete multiplexer platform in full redundancy, handling 20 audio services and meta data. The platform is expandable without further hardware investments. 2wcom Systems GmbH has provided a complete audio over IP contribution system, from studio encoders to the centralised multiplexer platform as well as satellite distribution to the DAB transmitters around the country.

(K-Net) Read more


WorldDAB conference: Edmund Fianko billed to speak
16.09.2023 - Ghana Ghana
The Acting Director of Engineering at the National Communications Authority (NCA), Rev. Edmund Fianko is billed to speak at the WorldDAB Conference as part of the ongoing International Broadcasting Convention (IBC2023) in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The selection of Ghana’s representative as a speaker for this year’s WorldDAB conference is a testament to Ghana’s achievement as the first country in West Africa and fourth on the continent to have started DAB (digital audio broadcasting) technology, and on the back of a more advanced version, DAB+.

(News Ghana) Read more


Ghana brings DAB+ to west Africa
30.08.2023 - Ghana Ghana
On 22 August, Ghana became the first nation in west Africa to launch DAB+ digital radio. The trial service makes Ghana the fourth nation on the African continent to deploy DAB+. The National Communications Authority is overseeing the trial, which includes 11 stations in the capital, Accra, and seven in Kumasi, the second-largest city in the country. The trial is expected to run through for six months, at which time NCA will determine the next phase of the deployment. By adopting DAB+, Ghana hopes to increase the number of stations able to operate in the country, as well as for stations to extend their reach beyond their current coverage area.

(Radio World) Read more


DAB trial launched in Ghana
24.08.2023 - Ghana Ghana
The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Honourable Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has 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.

(National Communications Authority (NCA) ) Read more


Asaase Radio and 17 others begin digital audio trial in Ghana
24.08.2023 - Ghana Ghana
At least 18 radio stations including Asaase 99.5 Accra are part of the trial of the newly launched Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) service in Ghana. Communication and Digitalisation Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful on Tuesday officially launched the six-month pilot project, describing it as the first ever in West Africa and the fourth on the continent to deploy the DAB service. Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday, Bernie O’Neill, project director World DAB said: “It’s an opportunity for broadcasters to collaborate and make the most of this opportunity to keep this vibrant radio industry that you have here strong for a digital future.”

(Asaase Radio) Read more


DAB trial underway in Ghana
23.08.2023 - Ghana Ghana
An announcement by Ghana’s Minister for Communications and Digitisation, Honourable Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has revealed Ghana as the first country in West Africa to deploy a DAB service. Implemented by the National Communications Authority (NCA), the trial phase involves 18 stations, with 11 based in Accra and seven in Kumasi. The platform enables listeners in both cities to access any of the stations using DAB+ receivers.

(RedTech) Read more


NCA launches West Africa’s first digital audio broadcasting
23.08.2023 - Ghana Ghana
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has officially launched the trial phase of digital audio broadcasting (DAB) in the country. DAB represents a state-of-the-art radio broadcasting system that revolutionises how audio content is transmitted through the airwaves. Distinguishing itself from traditional FM radio, DAB relies on digital signals rather than analogue ones. This shift results in remarkable enhancements in reception quality and a significant reduction in signal interference.

(Business & Financial Times) Read more


  • Img_3951

    IBC2023: DAB+ A firm foundation for radio

    18.09.2023

    How DAB+ offers a firm foundation for radio was the theme of this year's WorldDAB conference session at IBC2023. The launch of DAB+ in Ghana and emergency warnings delivered via DAB+ that could save lives were amongst the topics covered.

    Read more

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Key Information

Status: trial and/or regulation
Population: 33.1 million
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 19.6%
Services: 18 DAB+
Last update: 29.05.2024

Useful Links

The National Communications Authority (NCA)