The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a final ultimatum to MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, to reduce its subscription charges by September 6 or risk losing its operating license.
His warning, delivered at the Digital Africa Summit in Accra, marks one of the strongest interventions yet by the government in the long-running debate over pay-TV pricing in Ghana.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George stressed that the move is in line with the government’s commitment to protect Ghanaian consumers from what he described as unfair pricing practices by service providers.
He argued that recent improvements in the country’s economic conditions must reflect in the cost of services, particularly in the telecommunications and digital media sector.
“They have up to the 6th of September. If by that time there is no resolution, we will shut down the operations of MultiChoice. No company, no corporate entity is more powerful than the collective interest of the Ghanaian people.”
Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George
According to the minister, the government will hold a crucial meeting with MultiChoice tomorrow to finalise discussions on the matter.
He revealed that despite several engagements, the company has not complied with directives from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to provide detailed pricing data as required under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA).
“Fifteen or sixteen days ago, I met with MultiChoice and imposed a GH¢10,000 daily fine on them. So now, they owe us between GH¢150,000 and GH¢170,000. The NCA will collect the money”.
Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George
He explained that the penalties were necessary to enforce regulatory compliance and to signal that the government will not tolerate disregard for Ghanaian laws. At the heart of the standoff is the government’s demand that MultiChoice slash its subscription fees by at least 30 percent.
The minister explained that this directive was informed by a review of economic indicators, including a stabilised exchange rate, declining inflation, and improvements in energy supply.
He noted that since many of MultiChoice’s operational costs are linked to these factors, the company has no justification for maintaining high subscription charges.
“I have engaged them and asked them to do a 30 percent reduction in line with improved economic conditions in the country, but they have failed to comply,” Hon. Samuel Nartey George stated, adding that the refusal raises serious concerns about the company’s commitment to corporate responsibility in Ghana.
The ultimatum has sparked wide public interest, as many Ghanaians have long complained about the rising cost of DStv services. Consumers have often accused MultiChoice of arbitrary price increases without corresponding improvements in service quality.
Hon. Smauel Nartey George insisted that the government’s priority remains the welfare of ordinary Ghanaians. He emphasised that regulatory authorities are empowered by law to sanction service providers who exploit consumers or disregard national regulations.
“No company is above the law. No matter how big, no matter how influential, if they fail to respect the rights of the Ghanaian people, they will have to face the consequences”.
Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George
Hon. Samuel Nartey George’s approach, combining fines with a strict deadline, signals a tougher stance that could reshape the relationship between government and digital service providers.
Should the company agree to the proposed 30 percent reduction, it could set a precedent for greater transparency in pricing within Ghana’s pay-TV market.
However, if the standoff persists, the government may be forced to follow through with its threat to revoke MultiChoice’s license, a move that would significantly alter the media consumption landscape in the country.
Whether through negotiation or enforcement, the resolution of this standoff will be a critical test of the government’s determination to put citizens first in the digital economy.
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