MultiChoice Ghana is set to introduce a new strictly Ghanaian movie channel dubbed Akwaaba Magic on DStv in addition to converting the ROK3 Channel on DStv and GOtv to ROKGH, another Ghanaian-content channel.
This was disclosed by MultiChoice Ghana Managing Director, Cecil Sunkwa Mills at content showcase for the Ghanaian media at its plush head office rooftop in Abelenkpe, Accra.
The showcase, which was the first of its kind exposed journalists, bloggers, stakeholders and some celebrities to a portfolio of new shows, channels and upcoming projects that DStv and GOtv subscribers can look forward to in the coming months.
Cecil Sunkwa Mills noted that the introduction of 24-hour dedicated channels for Ghana is evidence of the commitment by Multichoice Ghana to grow its investment to local content industry.
The move forms part of a bigger drive by the MultiChoice to go “Hyper Local” in some four additional African countries by building major content development studios in those countries, including Ghana. The company already have dedicated studios in Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia and in its home country, South Africa.
Group CEO of MultiChoice Africa, Calvo Mawela announced that this year MultiChoice Africa will be focusing on four countries including Ghana. Explaining that “the strategy for the coming year will be to go “Hyper-Local” by strengthening the content from countries like Ghana; with the introduction of more local content and productions that will resonate with our customer in these countries.”
In a video message, MultiChoice Africa CEO, Brand De Villers, reiterated the contribution MultiChoice had made in Africa over the last 25+ years, saying “Our contribution has been one of creating shared value in the broadcasting sector on the continent. We have not only invested in the best local and international content, but we have also established long-term partnerships through the value chain which has helped grow and develop communities he adds”.
In line with the Hyper-Local strategy, Kenndey Dankyi Appah, Channel Manager for the new Akwaaba Magic channel, called on content developers in Ghana to avail themselves of the new Ghanaian channel that will go live in March 2021.
He explained, “our customers in Ghana have longed for a dedicated Ghanaian content channel and we have listened. In March 2021, MultiChoice Ghana will be introducing a wholly Ghanaian channel to be called Akwaaba Magic on DStv.
“Local content is a key differentiator for us, and we intend to continue producing more of it for our various markets” Mercy Clottey, GOtv Ghana Marketing opened with when she shed light on the new shows coming to DStv and GOtv for the rest of the year.
As Africa’s most loved storyteller, MultiChoice will in April 2021 also introduce a new African Lifestyle Channel that will showcase the rich lifestyle, culture and foods from across the African continent. This Pan-African channel will spot content from various regions on the continent with strong cross country appeal.
MultiChoice Ghana also announced the addition of four new channels set to launch on DStv from September 14, 2020. The channels will offer viewers more content and provide more choice and variety for lovers of movies, novellas and for kids.
Among the shows set to premiere are: TLNovelas: A English-dubbed Mexican telenovela pop-up channel which lands on DStv on Monday 14 September 2020 and will be available on DStv Compact. A new channel KIXX would be available on DStv Compact. This channel promises to bring viewers all the best scenes from all-time favourites such as Jackie Chan to Bruce Lee.
Timeless Drama Channel would offer a unique genre of high-budget English-dubbed series from Turkish producers set in the background of beautiful Istanbul and Anatolia, focusing on riveting stories full of emotion and passion that are tightly woven around Turkish values, symbols and culture with unique soundtracks. TVN would be an explosion in K-Pop and K-drama offering Korean content. It would be available to DStv subscribers from 1st November.
For kids, a new pop-up channel called ZooMoo would launch on October 1, 2020. The channel would have content with a unique mix of live action wildlife combined with animation, puppets child-friendly factual programs, profiling animals, their habitat, what they eat, etc. Accompanied by the free ZooMoo App which kids can download on their devices, this channel would offer a complete multi-screen environment, synchronized on a real-time basis with the channel.
“Bringing top-quality international content to Ghanaian screens is a key part of our mandate. We are constantly reviewing our content to offer our audiences a fresh and exciting slate every so often. The launch of these four channels is testament to the fact that we are always searching far and wide to extend the largest portfolio of content that we offer on our platforms,” said Anne Sackey, Head of Marketing, MultiChoice Ghana.
In addition to this wide variety of entertainment content, Multichoice Ghana continues to bring subscribers the best local and international sporting content including the best and biggest leagues such as Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and the UEFA championships, golf, cricket, basketball, athletics, Tennis, Formula 1, WWE, UFC and many other feature sporting events.
MultiChoice Ghana has also dedicated resources and the best expertise to ensure it continuously improves the way in which customers interact with the business via self-service platforms including the MyDStv and MyGOtv apps, *759# service, Pay Buddy and self-service on Whatsapp. “It is only by improving our customers’ experience, offering them more convenience, value for money, and delivering high-quality entertainment can we continue to provide our customers with the best entertainment there is, anytime and anywhere,” Gwendoline Okwabi, Marketing Manager, DStv Ghana concluded.
Wrapping up the Content Showcase for 2020, Nii Amah Dagadu, Corporate Affairs Manager, MultiChoice Ghana said “our mission is to deliver value to our customers by making great entertainment more accessible. We will continue to find and develop the right mix of content and deliver anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s local telenovelas, world class sport or the latest global blockbusters, our investment in content and technology systems deliver the shows that people love into their hands and their living rooms.”
