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.
Delivering her keynote address, the Honourable Minister for Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD), Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, highlighted the benefits and the pivotal role played by Ghana in embracing this groundbreaking technology. She touted Ghana’s unwavering commitment to embracing digital innovation, adding that it has propelled the country to the forefront of the transformative movement.
She emphasised that the MoCD has been steadfast in its mission to craft and shape policies that do not only facilitate the creation of information and communications infrastructure, but also drive the development of services that foster economic competitiveness.
The Minister added that her Ministry is committed to empowering all Agencies under MoCD to adapt to the ever-evolving technological landscape by adopting innovative strategies and approaches to their work. She commended the NCA for their continuing efforts to deliver innovative and cutting-edge solutions.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) is today launching the trial of yet another service, Digital Audio Broadcasting, in addition to its groundbreaking media monitoring lab, the Common Platform, CERT, among many other innovations introduced in the past 6 years. These have all been focused on meeting the needs of the industry and ultimately, benefiting the consumer, she said.
Stakeholders present at the launch included the Minister of Information, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ama Pomaah Boateng, the NCA Board Chairman, Isaac Emmil Osei-Bonsu Jnr and some members of the Board as well as the Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission, George Sarpong.
Story by: Radio Univers
