Community radio broadcasting and the sustainable development goals (sdgs) in Ghana the case of Simli and Tawasul community radio stations.

Abstract

This study investigated community radio broadcasting and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Ghana focusing on two community radio stations in the northern region. The study, anchored on the Development media and the Agenda-Setting theories employed qualitative research to conduct this study. Data were collected from documentary review (programme synopsis), interviews and focus group discussions with purposively selected participants. These participants were purposively sampled from the two community radio stations (Simli and Tawasul CR) and also the listener groups, Simli listener group and Tawasul listener group. Through a thematic analysis of the data, the findings revealed that the selected community radio stations in Ghana broadcast on a wide range of issues such as community development, agriculture, education, health, Indigenous culture, and gender empowerment. The study also revealed that the selected community radio stations are committed to promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their programmes, highlighting their dedication to advancing sustainable development and raising public awareness. The study further revealed that the Community Radio Stations broadcast content on specific SDGs (SDGs 2,3,4,5,6, 13 and 16) because of donor funding attraction, community endorsement, and the quest to improve the livelihood of the people. The study concludes that Community Radio Stations in Ghana are contributing to the attainment of the SDGs through their programming content. The study recommends that to prioritize agriculture-related content, empower marginalized communities, address local and national issues, and promote societal change through diverse programming to enhance SDG attainment, community radio stations in the northern region must receive increased support from the Government and other external stakeholders like NGOs.