Presidential Aide, Dr. Sammy Ayeh, has strongly defended Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, over the controversy surrounding DSTv subscription fees, insisting that the Ningo-Prampram lawmaker has delivered on his pledge to secure reductions for Ghanaian consumers.
Dr. Ayeh said the evidence was clear that DSTv packages had dropped in cost and urged the public not to be misled by claims of political propaganda. “The fundamental question we all need to ask is simple: have DSTv subscription prices been reduced or not – The answer is yes,” Dr. Ayeh stated.
The Presidential Aide explained that the downward adjustments were already reflected in consumer bills and cited a major package as an example of the difference between past and present costs. He stressed that the figures prove the impact of the Minister’s negotiations with MultiChoice, the operators of DSTv in Ghana.
“A subscription package such as the Compact Plus, which cost GHS 570 just three days ago, is now available at GHS 380
“If we do the math, it is clear that there has been a legitimate and significant reduction. What Sam George has done is in the interest of the people of Ghana. Because of his intervention, Ghanaians are enjoying lower DSTv prices”
Dr. Sammy Ayeh, Presidential Aide
Following criticism that the announced reductions were only temporary, Dr. Ayeh pointed to DSTv’s own confirmation that the changes stemmed directly from engagements with the Minister. He explained that they are part of the outcome of recent talks with Hon. Sam George, where after three months, there will be a review, and the prices may be maintained or reduced further.
“We should not allow propaganda to undermine the progress our leaders are working hard to achieve,” he said, urging the public to recognise the achievement instead of allowing misinformation to overshadow positive outcomes.
Minority Calls for Dismissal
Despite the defence, the Minority in Parliament has demanded the dismissal of Hon. George from his ministerial role. The caucus accused him of shifting away from his original stance and undermining regulatory processes.
Addressing the press, Deputy Ranking Member on the Communications and Information Committee, Hon. Charles Asuako Owiredu, said the Minister’s conduct reflected poorly on governance.
“By adopting an arbitrary decision-making posture, the Minister is also denying regulators such as the NCA the opportunity to perform their work according to law which clearly threatens the growth of this sensitive industry”
Hon. Charles Asuako Owiredu, Deputy Ranking Member on the Communications and Information Committee
He further argued, the Minister’s actions also signal a breach of the President’s code of conduct that requires candor and respect for all persons
The Minority described the Minister’s posture as a “display of ineptitude, incompetence and penchant for deceit.” They demanded that he apologise to Ghanaians, account for fines levied on MultiChoice, and either resign or be dismissed by President John Dramani Mahama.
MultiChoice Clarifies
Amid the controversy, MultiChoice Ghana issued a clarification regarding the changes to its subscription packages.
“We fully support the joint media statement that was issued by the Honourable Minister, Samuel Nartey George and implementation of same has already commenced”
Multichoice
The company explained that the packages were part of a value-added initiative available for three months, after which the joint committee will evaluate its impact. It added that there is no restriction on a subscriber’s choice of a bouquet. “This offer is available to both existing, returning and new customers from 1st October 2025,” MultiChoice added.
The company apologised for any confusion caused by earlier communications and reaffirmed that the review process would be periodic.
The reduction in DSTv subscription fees follows months of consumer complaints about rising costs in Ghana’s pay-TV sector. While supporters of Sam George credit him for pushing reforms, critics argue his handling of the negotiations has created inconsistencies.
The contrasting positions of Dr. Ayeh and the Minority underline the sharp political divide over how the issue has been addressed. As the review period approaches, subscribers will be watching closely to see whether the promised reductions hold or evolve further.
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