Ghana Community Radio Network (GCRN)

About

GCRN is the association of Community Radio stations and initiatives in Ghana. The association was formed in December 1999.

Aims & Objectives

The aims and objectives of GCRN are articulated in its Constitution as follows.:

Aim

GCRN aims to enhance the use and build the capacity of community radio to enable marginalized communities and groups to generate and share their knowledge and experience, to participate in discourse and decision-making at every level, to develop the richness of their culture, and to strengthen their communities as part of the national and global family.

Objectives

To support its members in the realization of their common vision of community radio.
To promote the growth of participatory, community-driven, community radio in support of development.
To facilitate the development of an enabling environment for such community radio.
To facilitate the inclusion and active participation of key marginalized groups, such as women, youth and children, in all aspects of the operations of member stations.
To undertake advocacy, networking, training and any other activities in keeping with its aim and objectives.

Membership

GCRN is deep in its participatory Community Radio philosophy and practice, but the regulatory environment has kept its numbers small.

Currently, it has 19 members on-air. They serve communities in 8 out of the 10 Regions of Ghana. Between them, they broadcast in 16 indigenous languages, including many that would otherwise leave their communities un-voiced.

In addition, GCRN counts 12 Community Radio initiatives. These are initiatives that are awaiting their frequencies. Once they get on-air, the remaining two Regions would have at least one Community Radio station.