Towards Inclusive Broadcasting: A Study On The Feasibility Of Establishing A Television Station For Persons With Hearing Impairment In Greater Accra

Abstract

This study explored the feasibility of establishing a deaf-inclusive television station in Ghana, with a focus on the Greater Accra Region. Although Ghana has committed to disability inclusion through policies such as the Persons with Disability Act (Act 715) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), television broadcasting remains largely inaccessible to persons with hearing impairment (PWHI). Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants comprising PWHI, media professionals, and policymakers. Thematic analysis was employed to organize and interpret the data in relation to the Social Model of Disability and Media Dependency Theory. Findings revealed that accessibility on Ghanaian television is minimal, with limited sign language interpretation, inconsistent captioning, and a general lack of disability-responsive programming. Financial constraints, inadequate technical infrastructure, and weak regulatory enforcement were identified as major barriers to inclusive broadcasting. Despite these challenges, stakeholders expressed strong support for the establishment of a dedicated deaf-inclusive station, viewing it as a necessary step toward information equity, social inclusion, and democratic participation. Participants proposed a range of feasible strategies, including subsidies, stronger regulatory enforcement, technical upgrades, interpreter-training pipelines, and multi-stakeholder partnerships. The study concludes that an inclusive television station is both viable and essential for advancing communication rights in Ghana. It recommends strengthening policy implementation, expanding financial support systems, building technical and human resource capacity, and embedding accessibility within national communication and development frameworks.