ACCRA, Ghana — The government of Ghana has given satellite broadcaster DStv a firm deadline of Thursday to lower its subscription fees or face the suspension of its broadcasting license.
The ultimatum was issued by Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George, who has instructed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to initiate suspension proceedings against MultiChoice Ghana, the local operator of DStv, if the company fails to comply.
Minister George, speaking on the matter, emphasized the government’s resolve. “I have directed the NCA to act swiftly. If by the 7th of August DStv has not complied, their broadcasting licence will be suspended,” he said.
He accused the company of taking advantage of the Ghanaian people by using the cedi’s depreciation as a justification for high prices.
“My fidelity lies with the Ghanaian people. They have been cheated for years, and it is time we put an end to that,” he stated.
In a statement released on Sunday, MultiChoice Ghana, a subsidiary of South Africa’s MultiChoice Group, described the government’s demand for a price cut as “not tenable.”
The company cited challenging economic conditions and the need to maintain service quality as reasons for its position.
Managing Director Alex Okyere warned that a forced reduction in prices could threaten jobs and limit customer choice.
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He added that the company had submitted alternative proposals to the minister and the NCA in an attempt to find a resolution.
However, Minister George quickly rejected those proposals in a post on X, questioning why MultiChoice had complied with a court order to suspend price hikes in Nigeria but was unwilling to do the same in Ghana.
He dismissed a particular offer from DStv to maintain current pricing while halting revenue remittances to its headquarters, describing the proposal as illogical.
The outcome of this standoff, with the August 7 deadline looming, will determine the future of DStv’s operations in Ghana.
