Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has secured what he describes as an “unprecedented” concession from MultiChoice Africa, giving Ghanaian DStv subscribers between 33 and 50 percent more value on their packages beginning October 1, 2025.
Speaking about his press conference in Accra, Hon. George dismissed claims that the satellite television company had previously introduced similar offers. He explained that the new arrangement was distinct from past promotions, which had been short-term, limited, and only available to active subscribers who renewed before expiry.
“I have heard people say that DStv has done this before; that is not correct. That is why the presser I did, I said this is unprecedented in DStv’s own marketing modules.
“What DStv has normally done is that you must be an active subscriber, you must renew before the expiration of your current subscription, and you enjoy it for only one month. What we have done with them is a bouquet agonistic”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister
The Minister emphasized that the agreement was a significant achievement for Ghanaian consumers and proof of the government’s commitment to fairness in pay-TV pricing.
Under the new deal, all subscribers will be automatically upgraded to higher-tier packages at no extra cost as the concession applies to both existing and new customers without restrictions on bouquet choice.
MultiChoice has also cut the cost of its Zapper decoder and dish kit by 50 percent, bringing the price down to GHS 555 for new customers. The Minister said he initially requested a 30 percent increase in value during negotiations but secured more for the public.
“I extend my warmest gratitude to the MultiChoice team for that,” he revealed. He noted that the government’s focus had not been to damage MultiChoice’s business but to secure a fair deal for Ghanaians paying for the service.
Describing the agreement as a “game-changer,” the Minister said households that had abandoned the service now had the opportunity to reconnect “and pay close to what they used to pay previously.”
Regulatory Pressure and Committee Oversight
The breakthrough followed weeks of regulatory pressure after public complaints about rising DStv subscription fees. The National Communications Authority, acting on the Minister’s directive, set up a stakeholder committee to evaluate the fairness of MultiChoice’s pricing and recommend solutions.
According to Hon. George, the committee also examined issues of cross-border piracy and the long-term sustainability of DStv’s operations in Ghana. Its conclusion was that the increased value offer successfully addressed the government’s concerns.
“It reduces pressure on Ghanaian households while ensuring the sustainability of DStv’s service in Ghana,” he said.
The Minister also addressed speculation that the recent takeover of MultiChoice by French media giant Canal+ would lead to price reductions across Africa. Canal+ completed its $2 billion acquisition of MultiChoice on September 21, giving it control over DStv, Showmax, and SuperSport.
But Hon. George was clear that there were no such plans anywhere on the continent.
“Canal+ has taken over [MultiChoice]. They took over on the 21st of this month and I can be very emphatic there is absolutely no country on the African continent where a conversation on price reduction is being had at this point in time.
“The CEO of MultiChoice was in the room today and she was very explicit in my conversations with her. They are not having this conversation”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister
He added that there was no need to speculate when this position had been explicitly confirmed by MultiChoice executives during discussions.
Hon. George reaffirmed that the government under President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to ensuring fairness and transparency in the pay-TV sector while safeguarding value for Ghanaian households.
He said the new DStv arrangement represented a major breakthrough, striking a balance between consumer protection and the sustainability of a key service provider.
“It is evidence of our firm commitment to deliver fairness in pricing and improved service delivery,” the Minister concluded.
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