Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has reiterated his demand for a reduction in DStv subscription fees, rejecting outright what he described as an illogical proposal from the satellite television provider.
The Minister’s firm position follows an official media release from MultiChoice Ghana, owners of DStv, which sought to respond to government concerns over what the Minister previously described as exploitative pricing.
According to the Minister, DStv’s latest statement only serves to vindicate his earlier argument that the company “does not take the Ghanaian people seriously enough.”
In a detailed rebuttal issued on August 3, 2025, Hon. Sam George accused MultiChoice of treating Ghanaians with disregard, even as they showed greater flexibility in other African markets.
“The same Group operating in Nigeria reversed price increases in Nigeria when the Nigerian authorities sued them. The Nigerian House of Representatives took the matter up and ordered a suspension of the increases. They complied”.
Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George
Hon. Sam George pointed out that despite notable improvements in Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators this year—including a 10% appreciation of the Cedi against major currencies, a more than 5% drop in inflation, and lower fuel prices—DStv chose to increase its subscription fees by 15% in April.
Alternative Proposal Unconvincing
Describing DStv’s response as unconvincing, the Minister disclosed an alternative proposal that was presented to him by MultiChoice, which he said he firmly rejected.
“They proposed that I allow them to maintain the collection of the exorbitant bouquet prices as they stand, but order them not to send the revenue to their headquarters. In all honesty, that offer lacks any logic in my estimation.”
Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George
According to the Minister, the central issue remains one of fairness and affordability for Ghanaian consumers, adding that corporations must no longer be allowed to take advantage of the Ghanaian market.
Hon. Sam George noted that the corporations have, for far too long, fleeced the Ghanaian people, asserting the “RESET Agenda” under President John Dramani Mahama demands a new style of public service that is fiercely protective of the Ghanaian people.
While acknowledging the potential challenges that the impasse may present for the local staff of DStv, the Minister urged them to support the national interest. “I remain empathetic to the Ghanaian staff of DStv, but I believe that they should stand with the rest of us as we demand what is right for us,” he said.
Hon. Sam George, however, did not rule out further dialogue, so long as the conversation remains focused on price reduction. “I remain open to constructive engagements that are centred on PRICE REDUCTION. Anything else is tangential and of no consequence,” he stressed.
In its official response, MultiChoice Ghana expressed disappointment over the stance taken by the Minister. The release, signed by Alex Okyere, Managing Director of MultiChoice Ghana, claimed that the company had been engaging the Minister and the National Communications Authority (NCA) “candidly and in good faith.”
It further noted that a proposal had been submitted to the Minister and the NCA for further engagement, although specific details of that proposal were not disclosed in the press statement.
“Having operated in Ghana for 30 plus years, we value our employees, contract staff, dealers, installers, agents, and retailers in Ghana. 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.”
Alex Okyere, Managing Director of MultiChoice Ghana
The company also defended its pricing strategy, citing a difficult economic environment. “MultiChoice values its subscribers and endeavours at all times to keep DStv subscription fees as low as possible, despite the extremely challenging competitive and macro-economic environment in which we operate,” the statement said.
On the Minister’s earlier claim that DStv had dismissed the Cedi’s recent appreciation as a “fluke,” the company denied making such a statement. “While we appreciate the recent appreciation of the Cedi (which we have never referred to as a ‘fluke’), it is not tenable to reduce the DStv subscription fees in the manner proposed by the Minister,” MultiChoice stated.
Nonetheless, MultiChoice affirmed its willingness to continue dialogue with government authorities. “MultiChoice remains committed to constructive engagement with the Honourable Minister and to complying with all applicable laws and regulations in Ghana and trusts that the authorities will do likewise.”
For now, the standoff continues, with the Communications Minister’s August 7, 2025, deadline for a price reduction still in force.
Failure by MultiChoice to reduce its subscription fees by then, according to the Minister’s earlier directive to the NCA, could result in the suspension of DStv’s broadcasting license in Ghana. Whether the two parties will arrive at a compromise before that date remains to be seen.
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