The Success Story of Radio Gurune

1.    Key Factors to Success

a)     Medium of communication
Radio Gurune is the only Radio station in the Upper East Region providing services exclusive in the local languages. Radio Gurune provides information in three local languages (Gurune, Talin and Nabt).

b)    Commitment of Volunteers. The high level of commitment of volunteers is a source of inspiration for continuous success.

c)     Partners/ collaborations
Radio Gurune has established very cordial collaborations with Government institutions, Non-Governmental organizations, social bodies and traditional authorities that transcends from usual courtesies to business patronage.

d)    Commitment of Executive Council. Members of the Executive Council of Radio Gurune are very committed to the development of the Region and for that matter uphold every positive effort to attain the vision of the station. The Council is enriched with people experienced in governance of non-profit organizations and effectively impact on the policies of the station with their expertise.

2.    Human Resource

The staff of Radio Gurune are categorized into the following:

·         employed staff (6)

·         part-time partner organization personnel who host specific programmes per week (7)

o   Example: The Regional Fire services, NFED, NCCE, Legal Aid, GHS, GES and Community volunteers from the (20) hub centers covering the 5 constituencies of the 5 districts (Bolga Central and East, Bongo, Nabdam and Talensi) and even parts of the Kusaal and Kessena areas of Upper East Region.

3.    Programmes

Inasmuch as Radio Gurune’s programs remain very satisfying to its listeners, the need for financial sustainability, especially in the wake of the current rising cost of transmission, is posing a serious threat against the station’s emphasis on social programs. The following are the major programme areas:

                  Health

                  Youth in Development

                  Environment

                  Water & Sanitation

                  HIV Aids

                  Gender & Land Rights

                  Climate Change & Food Security

                  Peace Building

                  Disability

                  Local Governance

                  Road Safety

                  Children’s Hour

                  News & Current Affairs

                  Arts & Culture

5.1         The Station’s Current Programming for Farmers

The farming programme is very important to the station because Agriculture is the main income generating, employment and poverty reduction activity.

Currently, the station’s programming for farming cover crop cultivation and livestock rearing, agro-food processing, irrigation activities and extension services. Weekly transmission time slot for farmer’s programme ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour, which covers about 10 hours weekly.

5.2         Weekly Airtime Dedicated to Farm-Related Activities

The station is working to get sponsorship or partnership commitment to fulfill its mission of dedicating about 60% of the airtime to farming related programmes. But currently, about 10 hours per week is dedicated to farming related programs