Ghana Radio News

Broadcasting Beginnings (1935–1957)

Ghana’s radio era began on July 31, 1935, when the colonial government established a relay service in Accra—known as Radio ZOY—to transmit BBC programs and gramophone music. This marked the beginning of broadcasting in the Gold Coast. The service expanded to other towns like Kumasi, Sekondi, Cape Coast, and Koforidua, and soon began airing content in local languages such as Fanti, Twi, Ga, Ewe, and later Hausa.

National Broadcasting Emerges (1954–1968)

In 1954, the Gold Coast Broadcasting System (GCBS) was formed to give structure to the growing radio service. After Ghana gained independence in 1957, it was renamed the Ghana Broadcasting Service (GBS), and later, in 1968, became the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). GBC operated Radio 1, which focused on local languages, and Radio 2, which broadcast in English. These stations offered a blend of news, music, education, and cultural programming.

Expansion and Liberalization (1986–1995)

In 1986, with assistance from Germany, GBC began VHF-FM broadcasting, improving sound quality and expanding reach. New regional FM stations such as Garden City Radio in Kumasi, Twin City FM in Sekondi-Takoradi, and Volta Star Radio in Ho were established.

Until the mid-1990s, private radio broadcasting was prohibited. However, the launch of an unlicensed station, Radio Eye, in 1994, pressured the government to liberalize the airwaves. In 1995, the first private FM license was granted to Radio Univers, paving the way for the rapid rise of commercial and community radio stations throughout the country.

Today, radio remains one of Ghana’s most popular and influential media platforms, with both public and private broadcasters delivering content in English and various Ghanaian languages.

Ghana’s radio landscape has evolved from a colonial relay service into a diverse and dynamic industry. From the early public broadcasts of the 1930s to today’s vibrant mix of state, private, and community stations, radio continues to be a cornerstone of Ghanaian communication and culture. With online streaming now available, Ghanaian radio reaches audiences far beyond the country’s borders, connecting the world to the voices and stories of Ghana.

Listen Live Below for all currently listed stations.

Popular Online Radio Stations in Ghana

Here is a list of some of Ghana’s most prominent radio stations that broadcast online, along with their base locations:

• Joy FM (Accra) – English-language station offering news, talk shows, music, and sports. It was one of the first private stations licensed in the mid-1990s.

• Peace FM (Accra) – Broadcasting in Twi and English, it covers local news, politics, business, and entertainment.

• Citi FM (Accra) – Known for its strong urban news and talk content.

• Adom FM (Accra) – A popular Akan-language station focusing on local news, culture, and music.

• Asempa FM (Accra) – Sports and news-oriented station.

• Hitz FM (Accra) – Urban and youth-focused station playing contemporary music.

• YFM (Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi) – Youth-centered station featuring urban music and entertainment. YFM operates in three major cities, forming a network known as the "Y-Triangle."

• Starr FM (Accra) – News and current affairs station.

• Kasapa FM (Accra) – Lifestyle, music, and talk in both English and Twi.

• Live FM (Accra) – Focused on urban entertainment, sports, and talk shows.

• Neat FM (Accra) – Offers news, music, and current affairs in both Twi and English.

Other regional favorites include:

• Angel FM (Kumasi) – Known for local news and talk programming.

• Ashh FM (Kumasi) – Offers a variety of music and community-focused content.

• Hello FM (Kumasi) – Another strong regional broadcaster with wide appeal.

Stations

© GhanaRadio.online 2025 - Legal notice | Privacy