DTT Committee Raises Alarm Over Encroachment on Transmission Sites
The Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Committee has raised concerns over the increasing encroachment on transmission sites, warning that the development poses a threat to the protection and sustainability of Ghana’s national digital broadcasting infrastructure.
Presenting the committee’s final report to the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, the chairman of the committee, Emmanuel Adjei said safeguarding DTT infrastructure must be treated as a priority to ensure reliable broadcasting services across the country.
He explained that as part of its mandate, the committee examined not only the financial and operational challenges of the DTT platform but also broader issues affecting the security and long-term viability of the infrastructure.
According to Emmanuel Adei, the committee identified encroachment on transmission sites as one of the critical challenges requiring urgent attention, given the strategic importance of these facilities to Ghana’s digital television network.
“Attention was given to challenges relating to the protection of DTT infrastructure, particularly encroachment on transmission sites and the need to safeguard these national assets,” he said.
Mr. Ajei noted that transmission facilities, including towers, lands, buildings and other related installations, form the backbone of the country’s digital broadcasting system and must be protected from activities that could compromise their operations.
He added that the committee’s assessment involved examining infrastructure contributions made by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), including land, transmission towers and other facilities supporting the national digital network.
The report also considered the operational requirements of K-Net Ltd., Ghana’s DTT technical partner, including maintenance obligations, network performance and other factors necessary for effective nationwide digital television transmission.
Beyond infrastructure protection, the committee recommended measures to strengthen governance, improve service quality and establish clear operational responsibilities to ensure the sustainability of the DTT platform.
The Chairman said the committee adopted an evidence-based approach, engaging key stakeholders including GBC, K-Net, the National Communications Authority (NCA), the National Media Commission (NMC), the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and other industry players.
He expressed confidence that the recommendations contained in the report would provide government with a strong foundation to make informed decisions on the future of Ghana’s digital broadcasting infrastructure.
The minister for communication, digital technology and innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, is expected to study the report and engage stakeholders before the government takes decisions on implementing the proposed reforms.
The committee’s findings come at a time when Ghana seeks to strengthen its digital broadcasting ecosystem and ensure that critical national communication infrastructure remains protected, efficient and capable of delivering quality services to citizens.
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