MultiChoice pushes back on Minister’s call for DStv price reduction

MultiChoice Ghana has expressed concern over recent remarks by the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, regarding DStv subscription fees in the country.

In a statement issued on Sunday, August 3, the pay-TV operator described the Minister’s position as “regrettable,” noting that it had been engaging with him and the National Communications Authority (NCA) “candidly and in good faith” to resolve the pricing concerns.

The company disclosed that it has proposed “an alternative further engagement avenue” to the Minister and the NCA in an effort to find common ground.

“Having operated in Ghana for over 30 years, we value our employees, contract staff, dealers, installers, agents, and retailers in Ghana,” the statement read. “We are mindful of the dire implications that an impasse may have on you and your livelihoods, and we assure you that we are committed to working together with the Honourable Minister and the NCA to resolve this matter.”

MultiChoice said it makes every effort to keep subscription fees “as low as possible” despite a “challenging competitive and macro-economic environment,” without compromising on service quality. The company also pushed back on suggestions that it had described the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi as a “fluke,” while stressing that it is “not tenable” to reduce subscription rates in the manner proposed by the Minister.

The Minister has given MultiChoice until Wednesday, August 7, to cut its prices or risk suspension of its license. The directive comes amid public complaints about subscription costs despite recent currency gains.

MultiChoice reiterated its commitment to “constructive engagement” and to complying with Ghana’s laws and regulations, expressing hope that “the authorities will do likewise.”