The National Communications Authority under the Ministry of Communications has launched the Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) in Ghana.
In the trial phase, up to eighteen (18) existing FM stations in Accra and Kumasi will share one frequency channel out of VHF band III and transmitter in the two cities.
DAB is a digital radio standard for broadcasting digital audio radio services in many countries around the world. It is expected to provide good quality audio and support the provision of value-added services and spectrum efficiency.
The launch, according to Director General of the NCA, Joe Anokye will “position Ghana as the first country in west Africa and the fourth in Africa to deploy DAB.”
The initiative is to deal with the incessant demand for FM frequency authorizations in the face of severe frequency constraints through technology.
For her part, Communications and Digitalization Minister, Ursula Owusu Ekuful said the government is committed to embracing technologies as part of efforts in enhancing connectivity.
“Ghana’s unwavering commitment to embracing 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 bringing the digital divide and ensuring digital inclusion for all sectors of the economy,” she said.