China completes 300-village satellite TV project, hands over to Ghana govt

Commenced in September 2018, China's 300-community satellite television project for Ghana is now complete.

Shi Ting Wang, the Chinese Ambassador has handed over 300 satellite television to the government of Ghana to be distributed to selected public area and households in the rural areas. The presentation was in line with a project christened "300 village satellite TV project", launched by the Ministry of Communications, in collaboration with StarTimes, a Chinese Multimedia company in September last year.

Handing over the completed project here on Friday, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Wang Shiting underscored the need for Ghana and China to work together to eliminate the digital divide.

"Since our poor communities still lack the ability to have the whole world in view, as well as the means to participate in cultural exchanges, let us work hard together to eliminate the digital divide," Wang said. The completion of the project, according to Ghana's Deputy Minister for Communications George Andah, was another step in the strengthening of the strong relations between Ghana and China.

He said 660 Ghanaians have acquired technical training on the installation of satellite dishes through the project, which has given them skills to set up their own installation businesses. 20 sets of satellite TV set-top boxes have been installed in 6000 houses in 300 communities to enable them to have access to both local and international channels.

Andah said the Ministry would continue to explore creative and affordable means of making content accessible through technology and television, calling on all leaders of the beneficiary communities to ensure that equipment installed was placed under proper care.

The project offered an opportunity for China and Ghana to deepen its relationship and ensure that the African continent and the media development transitioned to the next level, Xue Jin, the Chief Executive Officer, Startimes opined.

Also Read: Contractors in Ghana to get $1bn from govt to complete road projects