BBC launches new FM service in Ghana's Western Region

The BBC will today launch BBC 104.7FM in Ghana's Western Region, from a transmitter based just outside Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana's third largest media market and the country's new oil city. The transmission will also reach parts of the Central Region and provide coverage along important transport routes in the area.

BBC's investment in a second 24/7 dedicated FM in Ghana gives audiences in and around the Western Region the opportunity to hear the full range of BBC programmes. BBC 104.7FM will broadcast news and current affairs programmes, sports and documentaries.

Simon Kendall, Head of Business Development at BBC Global News, said: "We are absolutely committed to our audiences in Africa and delivering our content on FM, whether through relays or with partnerships, will be a big part of that commitment. Our investment in BBC 104.7FM will
help us reach a wider audience in Ghana, growing our connection with listeners in this important country."

Solomon Mugera, Editor, Africa, said: "Audiences are at the heart of everything we do at the BBC; the launch of BBC 104.7 FM brings the BBC much closer to its audience, offering them a range of African and world news and current affairs programmes. Audiences also have the opportunity to tune to live Premiership match commentary every Saturday and Sunday."

To mark the launch of the transmitter World Have Your Say – the BBC's award-winning global interactive news discussion show on radio and TV – will be at Skyy House in Takoradi to broadcast a special launch show at 6pm. Hosted by Nuala McGovern, the programme will be connecting audiences in Ghana with people around the world. On a day that celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women over the last century, the programme will debate the following question: "Why do so many men around the world think it is okay to harass and sexually assault women?"

Hosted on the BBC's international news services – on radio (BBC World Service) and on TV (BBC World News) – the show is a global conversation, with the agenda set by everyone taking part. The show uses different technology to enable as many people as possible in different parts of the world to join the debate via bbc.co.uk/blogs/worldhaveyoursay, Twitter (@bbc_whys), Facebook (World Have Your Say), telephone and on air.

(BBC World Service Publicity)