Communications Minister 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.

Sharing the challenges Ghana faces with the current FM Broadcasting service, the Director General of the NCA, Joe Anokye, said, “There are severe constraints on frequency for FM Radio Broadcasting services in many major cities in Ghana.

According to Mr Anokye, "As an Authority mandated under Section 2 of the Electronic Communications Act 2008, Act 775, to regulate the radio spectrum allocated for use by broadcasting organisations and providers of broadcasting services, it is important that the NCA comes out with a mechanism that addresses the frequency limitations for FM radio and for stations to reach more cities outside of their immediate area with the same programme content."

Mr Anokye indicated that DAB in Ghana will not use the same frequencies as the traditional analogue FM stations as DAB is being deployed in the frequency range of 174 to 230 MHz.

Mr. Anokye said in comparison to FM, DAB efficiently reduces signal interference thereby improving reception as well as energy efficiency by allowing up to 18 stations to share one transmitter.

The Director General called on all stakeholders in the value chain to help Ghana succeed in implementing this project, especially the Electronic Communications Equipment Dealers since supply of DAB equipment is key in its implementation.

Delivering her keynote address, the Communications Minister, 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 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 its 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 six years.

"These have all been focused on meeting the needs of the industry and ultimately, benefiting the consumer”, she said.

Speaking at the event, the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said that Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) will provide significant economic benefits within the broadcasting industry.

He said with the relatively high operational costs of running traditional FM stations in Ghana, it was welcoming to have a technology that reduces these costs and improves the efficiency of resources.

He further expressed optimism that DAB will encourage the production of content that contributes to societal growth and attracts more investors, leading to job opportunities.

The Minister applauded the NCA for their efforts and looked forward to the successful implementation of the DAB pilot programme together with a robust regulatory framework.

Stakeholders present at the launch included the Information Minister, the Deputy Communications Minister, 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.

Also present were the representatives of the 18 stations, the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Advertisers Association of Ghana (AAG), Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), PROTOA.

Agencies under the MoCD and the Project Director of WorldDAB, Bernie O’Neil were also present.