Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation has warned that MultiChoice Ghana could have its broadcasting licence suspended if it fails to reduce DStv subscription fees by 30 per cent.
The Communications Minister Mr Samuel Nartey George issued the warning at a press conference in Accra on Friday, August 1, 2025, as part of the Government Accountability Series.
He stated that the directive, which has been communicated to the National Communications Authority (NCA), would take effect on August 7 if MultiChoice fails to revise its prices downwards.
Mr George explained that the move follows the company’s rejection of a formal request by the ministry for a price reduction, despite what he described as macroeconomic improvements, including the recent strengthening of the Ghana cedi.
He said MultiChoice had responded in a nine-page letter dated July 21, dismissing the request and describing the cedi’s recovery as “a fluke.”
Describing the company’s response as unacceptable, Mr George accused MultiChoice of unfair pricing practices.
“The same content in the premium bouquet that is offered to Ghanaians for the equivalent of US$83 is offered to Nigerians for US$29. How can anyone explain this price disparity?” he asked.
Mr George said the company had blamed its pricing in Ghana on the long-term depreciation of the cedi, but this, in his view, did not hold up when compared with Nigeria’s situation.
“The Nigerian naira has depreciated by 409 per cent over the same period, yet Nigerians are paying far less for the same content,” he noted.
He added that the ministry could not stand by while what he described as the exploitation of Ghanaian consumers continued unchecked.
“I cannot continue to watch what can best be described as plain stealing happening to the Ghanaian people,” he said.
The minister indicated that the government’s position was aimed at protecting consumers and promoting fairness in pricing, particularly in the digital and broadcasting sectors.
He added that the directive is in line with the ministry’s broader efforts to improve affordability, ensure transparency, and promote value for money in the delivery of digital services across the country.
The Communications Minister Mr Samuel Nartey George issued the warning at a press conference in Accra on Friday, August 1, 2025, as part of the Government Accountability Series.
He stated that the directive, which has been communicated to the National Communications Authority (NCA), would take effect on August 7 if MultiChoice fails to revise its prices downwards.
Mr George explained that the move follows the company’s rejection of a formal request by the ministry for a price reduction, despite what he described as macroeconomic improvements, including the recent strengthening of the Ghana cedi.
He said MultiChoice had responded in a nine-page letter dated July 21, dismissing the request and describing the cedi’s recovery as “a fluke.”
Describing the company’s response as unacceptable, Mr George accused MultiChoice of unfair pricing practices.
“The same content in the premium bouquet that is offered to Ghanaians for the equivalent of US$83 is offered to Nigerians for US$29. How can anyone explain this price disparity?” he asked.
Mr George said the company had blamed its pricing in Ghana on the long-term depreciation of the cedi, but this, in his view, did not hold up when compared with Nigeria’s situation.
“The Nigerian naira has depreciated by 409 per cent over the same period, yet Nigerians are paying far less for the same content,” he noted.
He added that the ministry could not stand by while what he described as the exploitation of Ghanaian consumers continued unchecked.
“I cannot continue to watch what can best be described as plain stealing happening to the Ghanaian people,” he said.
The minister indicated that the government’s position was aimed at protecting consumers and promoting fairness in pricing, particularly in the digital and broadcasting sectors.
He added that the directive is in line with the ministry’s broader efforts to improve affordability, ensure transparency, and promote value for money in the delivery of digital services across the country.
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