Entertainment
Broadcasters must pay for DTT platform but $10k fee is on the high side – Sam George
The Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Communications Committee, Samuel Nartey George, has emphasised that TV stations utilizing the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) platform must pay for its usage.
The Ningo-Prampram lawmaker argued that the platform incurs significant costs for the state in its operation and cannot be provided to broadcasters for free.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Monday, December 11, Mr Nartey George acknowledged that while the initial $10,000 charge set by the Communications Minister is on the high side, there should be a reconsideration of the fee.
He urged the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and the Communications Ministry to engage in a more collaborative approach, emphasizing that both entities need each other to operate effectively in the space.
“The point must be made that this whole thing about the charge is a long-standing principle from the days of Dr Omane Boamah (former Communications Minister), when the DTT platform was built in 2015. There is always been the understanding that the DTT platform is not for free and that there will be a fee to be paid.”
“The issue at stake now is the processes by which the fee is being determined. We as a committee have invited the ministry and GIBA. The Ministry and GIBA need to come to a place where they have an understanding that it is not possible to proceed without the one or the other and that this matter would have to be discussed and agreed on and not litigated on.”
“The Ministry has originally determined a fee of $15,000 which I believe is on the high side even though the DTT appears to be a monopoly, there are other platforms, and there is a fair understanding of how much those platforms charge the same TV stations for broadcasting their content which is in the region of $7,500. So I hold the view that will be a fair place to start the conversation,” he told host Evans Mensah.
On Monday, December 11, Communications Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful issued a warning that television signals to homes and offices may be cut next year if operators fail to pay for the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) platform.
The Minister emphasized that the government has been covering the cost of operating the platform, incurring millions of dollars, and can no longer bear the expense.
In response to this warning, the President of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Andrew Danso-Aninkora Sunkwa-Mills, described the caution as ‘unfortunate.’
In an interview with JoyNews, Mr Sunkwa-Mills stated that GIBA opposes the arbitrary allocation of fees on a national platform by the Communications Ministry.
He highlighted that the Minister initially proposed a fee of $15,000 a month per station, which was later reduced to $10,000 a month after the fee faced challenges and the Association called for a breakdown.
Mr Sunkwa-Mills emphasized that the DTT platform is monopolistic, and the determination of rates or fees must align with the Rate and Fees Act passed and managed by the Finance Committee of Parliament.
What is DTT?
Digital Terrestrial Television is a technology for terrestrial television where television stations broadcast television content in a digital format.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Organisers of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards 27 have announced “A Touch of Glitter as the official red carpet theme for this year’s ceremony.’’
In a statement issued on Thursday, April 16, Charterhouse indicated that the theme is designed to promote elegance and creativity while maintaining a refined fashion standard.
According to the organisers, the red carpet remains one of the most anticipated moments of the awards, offering artistes, celebrities, and guests the opportunity to express themselves through fashion while celebrating Ghanaian identity.
They explained that for this year’s edition, attendees are encouraged to include subtle elements of shimmer in their outfits.
This, they noted, can be done through fabric choices, embellishments, or accessories, with the focus on elegance rather than excess.
The statement added that the red carpet event will take place on May 9, 2026, at 7:06 pm, ahead of the main awards ceremony.
Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse, Robert Klah, noted that the theme invites guests to explore creativity with sophistication while maintaining a polished appearance.
The organisers further assured that the event will continue to deliver a blend of music, fashion, and culture, making it a key highlight on Ghana’s entertainment calendar.
By Jacob Aggrey
The fourth edition of the fast-rising fashion and cultural event, the Slit and Kaba Festival, is set to take place on May 1 at the Legon City Mall in Accra.
Organised by Roots Africa, the festival aims to promote Ghanaian culture through the traditional Kaba and Slit outfit, known for its vibrant African prints and unique designs.
Speaking to The Spectator Agoro ahead of this year’s edition, dubbed “Old School Kaba and Slit Meets Batakari,” the Founder of Roots Africa, Mrs. Deborah Kabutey-Djisah, popularly known as Manye Korngo, said the event has gained significant popularity over the years and promised an even bigger experience this time around.
“The intention is to revive old-school fashion while celebrating our revered Fugu, also known as Batakari, which has gained massive exposure in recent times,” she stated.
“It is also an opportunity to showcase our culture and demonstrate to young people how fashion has evolved over the years,” she added.
She further called on vendors to come on board to display their products and services, noting that thousands of patrons are expected to attend the event.
“Don’t miss the chance to have your brand featured on our flyers, make incredible sales, and be part of an unforgettable experience,” she urged.
According to her, the previous edition was a great success, attracting patrons from across the country. Due to the growing interest, a larger venue had to be secured to accommodate the anticipated crowd.
“I’m expecting ten times more people than we had at last year’s festival,” she added.
