Story by Mercy Nimo, Tema.
Obonu FM, a branch of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) based in Tema, is 20 years old. As the talking drum of the community, key interest groups are worried about the decline in the use of the Ga-Dangme language. They are asking for more programmes that will project the language and traditions of the Ga-Dangmes to survive in the midst of other languages in the Greater Accra Region. The 20th Anniversary celebration is themed: “20 years of Broadcasting, our successes and challenges in a cosmopolitan society”.
Obonu which literally means Talking Drum in Ga, was initiated to give credence to the indigenous people of Ga-Dangme and residents of Greater Accra. Obonu 96.5 MHz FM was established in 2001 to promote the cultural heritage and the traditions of the Ga-Dangbes, as well as to facilitate the development of the Ga-Dangbe communities in the Greater Accra Region and beyond.
Since its existence, the station has served its audience with authentic news, information, education and entertainment among others. The Regional Director, in charge of Obonu TV and Obonu FM, Mrs. Loretta Vanderpuye said the successes are worth celebrating.
The Deputy Director of Radio GBC, Mr. Ebenezer Odzawo said GBC is proud of the successes chalked up by Obonu FM. He urged management and staff to introduce more programs to protect the Ga -Dangbe language as the decline poses a set of challenges.
The MP for Tema East, Ashai Odamtten lauded Obonu FM for upholding the tradition and culture of the Ga-Dangbe.
The program outline for the 20th Anniversary includes homecoming durbar, tree planting, philanthropy to an orphanage, cooking & quiz competitions.
