The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend the broadcasting licence of MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, if the company fails to reduce its subscription prices by August 7.
Addressing journalists at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Friday August 1, the Minister disclosed that following a prior meeting with MultiChoice Ghana, he had formally requested a 30% reduction in subscription prices for DStv packages, citing the need for pricing structures to reflect the current economic realities of Ghana.
“I made an announcement that I had directed MultiChoice to present at the Ministry for a meeting. At that meeting, we requested a 30% reduction in pricing for subscribers of MultiChoice Ghana’s packages,” Sam George stated. “I made clear the ministry’s expectations that pricing structures had to be responsive to Ghana’s current economic context.”
According to the Minister, a deadline of July 21 was set for a formal response. However, he revealed that MultiChoice responded with a detailed nine-page letter rejecting the request.
Among the reasons cited for refusing the price cut was the long-term depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi—reportedly 240% over the last eight years. The company also described the recent appreciation of the cedi as a “fluke,” arguing that it was unsustainable and therefore not a sufficient basis for lowering prices.
In response, George emphasised that his duty lies with protecting the interests of Ghanaian consumers.
“As Minister, my fidelity is to the Ghanaian people. I had to act in the interest of the Ghanaian people and I believe that the Ghanaian people have been fleeced and exploited for too long,” he said.
He confirmed that on Monday, July 28, he formally directed the NCA to suspend MultiChoice’s broadcasting licence if the company fails to comply with the demand for a price reduction by August 7.
The directive marks a significant escalation in the standoff between the Ghanaian government and the South African-owned pay-TV provider, and could have far-reaching implications for DStv subscribers across the country.
As of now, MultiChoice Ghana has not issued a public response to the latest ultimatum.
