BBC FM station launched in Accra

Accra (Greater Acra), 16th November 99 - The BBC on Tuesday launched its re-broadcast frequency modulation (FM) station in Accra describing it as "a jewel in the crown of the operations of the BBC in Africa."

Mr. Barry Langridge, BBC World Service Regional Chief for Africa, described Ghana as a key strategic market for West Africa where "we have a large and loyal listenersship."

The launch was performed by Mrs. Rebecca Adotey, Deputy Minister of Communications bringing to 24 the total number of FM stations nation-wide since the airwaves were liberalised in 1994.

BBC world service which has already started broadcasting on 101.3 FM is the second foreign station after Radio France International (RFI) which is on 89.7 FM.

Mr. Langridge said they are delighted to be launching a 24-hour service in partnership with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) adding that this means a better and more accessible wavelength.

The technical facilities are being provided by the GBC under a joint co-operation agreement signed in August last year.

Among the programmes to be broadcast are the popular breakfast show, Network Africa and the evening current affairs programme, Focus on Africa.

Mrs. Adotey expressed the hope that the BBC FM broadcast in Accra would serve as an inspiration for an improvement in broadcasting and that the other stations will strive to be fair, truthful and balanced in their reportage.

"We also hope that these broadcasts will serve not only to inform, educate and entertain our people but also encourage national unity and integration rather than breed hatred and acrimony."

In another development, Mrs. Adotey, said that the ministry expects a speedy implementation of decisions of the meeting with owners and managers of radio stations.

This, she noted, is necessary in order to bring a new and improved dimension to broadcasting.

Mrs. Adotey did not specify what the decisions are but they are believed to have been reached at meeting between the Ministry and radio operators following the recent broadcast of controversial tape recording by a radio station of material the government has described as "unbridled and orchestrated programming" aimed at discrediting it to the outside world.

She said currently there are two Ghanaian stations re-broadcasting in London although as pirate stations.

"We have been approached by one of these stations for a letter of support in order to enable them to secure a radio license to legalise their operations in the UK.

"We intend to give them the needed support and hope that in the spirit of reciprocity, the Radio Authority of the UK will grant them a license to operate."