NCA to introduce digital frequency allocation

Accra, 1 Feb, GNA - The National Communication Authority (NCA) on Tuesday said it would soon move from the analogue to a digital frequency allocation to ensure efficiency, good reception and to allow the establishment of more radio stations.

The change would increase frequency from 87 megahertz to 108 megahertz. Major J.R.K. Tandoh (rtd), Acting Director General of NCA disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency immediately participating in a forum on community radio in Ghana in Accra.

The forum discussed implications and challenges of the national telecommunications policy and community radio in Ghana. Major Tandoh said radio stations would be entreated to reapply again for new frequencies with the coming into force of the digital allocation.

He expressed regret about most commercial radio stations going beyond the area they were mandated to broadcast when they were given licences to operate.

He said the NCA was committed to the development of the National Telecommunication policy and community radio in Ghana.

Mr Kojo Yankah, Communication Consultant, said community radio stations played important roles in the development of the nation because they helped with the dissemination of national policies to the grassroots.

He said that community radio stations helped the voiceless or the marginalized to express their views on national issues.

Mrs Michelle Ntab, Regional Coordinator of World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters, said community radio stations had helped to reduce poverty and achieved policy change in developing countries. She congratulated the NCA for being able to distinguish between the areas in broadcasting that was public, commercial and community radio, which many developing countries had failed to do.