As the government pushes forward to complete the switch from analogue to digital broadcasting, Ghanaians can look forward to sharper picture quality and improved sound on their televisions by the second quarter of 2026.

However, a major obstacle remains: over GH¢82 million in duties on set-top boxes are currently tied up in warehouses, delaying their release and slowing progress.

Reports indicate that clearing this hurdle is critical to accelerating distribution and completing the digital migration process.

At the recent Broadcasting at Crossroads forum held in Accra last week, the Minister of Communication and Digitalisation, Samuel Nartey George, reassured stakeholders that despite missing earlier deadlines, the government remains fully committed to the transition.

“We have not completed the digital switch-over because of challenges I inherited. There was a large purchase of set-top boxes, but the boxes are stuck in a warehouse,” he explained.

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“There are duties exceeding GH¢82 million, but we have found a way around this. The switch-over will proceed once these boxes enter the market and the National Communications Authority completes their work,” the minister added.

Sam George expressed hope that by the end of the second quarter of 2026, distribution will be complete and the government will officially announce the digital switch-over.

SA/MA

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