The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has warned that MultiChoice Ghana could have its DStv broadcasting license suspended if it fails to reduce subscription fees by 30 percent by Wednesday, August 7, 2025.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Friday, August 1, Mr. George said he had formally directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to initiate suspension procedures should the company refuse to comply.
“I have directed the NCA to act swiftly. If by the 7th of August DStv has not complied, their broadcasting license will be suspended,” he declared.
The minister said the decision followed MultiChoice’s rejection of a formal request to revise its pricing downward, despite recent macroeconomic improvements, including a strengthening cedi. He noted that in a nine-page response dated July 21, the company had dismissed the request and described the cedi’s recovery as “a fluke.”
“DStv claims the Ghanaian cedi has depreciated by over 200 percent in the last eight years, and therefore, they cannot reduce their prices,” Mr. George said, adding that this justification was unconvincing when compared to other markets.
“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. He further pointed out that while the naira had depreciated by 409 percent over the same period, Nigerian customers still paid significantly less.
Mr. George accused the company of “plain stealing” and vowed to defend consumer interests. “My fidelity lies with the Ghanaian people. They have been cheated for years, and it is time we put an end to that. We will not allow foreign service providers to take advantage of our citizens under the guise of economic pressures,” he said.
The minister emphasised that the government’s stance formed part of wider efforts to improve affordability, transparency, and value for money in the digital and broadcasting sectors.
This is the second major move by the minister in relation to pricing, having earlier impressed on Mobile Network Operators to reduce the price of internet data for consumers last month.
