Ghana - Media

Telephone, telegraph, radio, and television services are owned and operated by the government. In 2001 there were 240,000 mainline telephones and 150,000 cellular phones in use.

The government-owned Ghana Broadcasting Corp. makes radio services available throughout the country in English and six other languages; an international radio service beams programs in English, French, and Hausa to all parts of Africa. An international telex system was inaugurated in 1962 and a government-owned television service was established in 1965. As of 2001, there were 49 FM radio stations and 10 television stations. In 2000 there were 710 radios and 118 televisions for every 1,000 people. Internet service was offered by 12 service providers in 2000, with 200,000 subscribers in 2002.

As of 2002, there two major three daily newspapers in Ghana. The Daily Graphic (circulation 100,000) and Ghanaian Times (40,000) are government owned. The Daily Telegraph (10,000) is independent). Weeklies, with their 2002 circulation, include the Weekly Spectator (165,000), The Mirror (90,000), The Ghanaian Chronicle (60,000), Graphic Sports (60,000), Echo (40,000), and Evening News (30,000). All papers are printed in English.

The government dominates all media, and though it is said to tolerate the small independent print media, it is reported to repress dissenting opinions during election times. The constitution does provide for free speech and press.