The standoff between Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and MultiChoice over a recent PayTV price hike continues to intensify, with Minister of Communications Hon. Sam Nartey George making it clear that his demand for a 30 percent reduction is non-negotiable.
He recalled making his position known during his public accountability series, insisting that if the company failed to grant the reduction for Ghanaians, he would trigger the suspension. “30% or nothing less? That’s my ask, 30%.”
Explaining why he rejected smaller reductions of 10 or 15 percent, the Minister noted that MultiChoice had already increased prices by 15 percent in April this year, at a time when the cedi had appreciated by 10 percent against the dollar.
Historically, the company justified increases due to depreciation of the cedi, high interest rates, and currency instability.
“As of April this year, when they did a 15% increase, we had stability of the currency and appreciation of the currency. We had dropping inflation rates. The macroeconomic indicators were looking better. So, there was absolutely no justification for that 15%.”
Hon. Sam Nartey George
The Minister stressed that he is seeking to reverse that increase and secure a further 15 percent cut.
“This is non-negotiable. They have said to me that they have a position that says we are not going to drop by even one cent. My advice to businesses is, don’t fight your regulator. You can’t fight a regulator and win.”
Hon. Sam Nartey George
In his efforts to resolve the issue, he has engaged counterparts beyond Ghana. This included a discussion with South Africa’s Minister for Communications and Digital Technology, Solly Malatsi.
Despite this, the Minister said MultiChoice continues to take a hardline stance, banking on the belief that football broadcasting rights such as the English Premier League will turn public opinion against him.
Regional Precedents Of Action
Citing examples from the continent, Sam George recalled that in 2023, Malawi’s government ordered MultiChoice to shut down operations due to excessive pricing.
The company sued and lost, returning months later with reduced rates and free viewing weeks. Liberia also saw price reductions in 2023 after public agitation, while Nigeria’s consumer protection agency and House of Representatives blocked a planned 2024 price hike.
“Ghanaians must know that as a minister, my fidelity is to them. MultiChoice is not interested in dealing with all the critical issues. The issues of cross-border piracy on their platform.”
Hon. Sam Nartey George
The Minister highlighted the cross-border piracy challenge, drawing parallels to action taken against Starlink to prevent devices imported from other African countries from bypassing Ghana’s regulatory framework.
He claimed that around 40 to 45 percent of DSTV devices operating in Ghana were sourced from Nigeria, undermining official subscription figures and state revenues.
Clash Over Data Disclosure
Sam George said he had engaged MultiChoice extensively since June, meeting both Ghanaian and headquarters representatives.
After being given 16 days to respond to his request, the company sent a detailed letter questioning the sustainability of Ghana’s economic gains.
“I wrote back to them and asked them, ‘Since when did MultiChoice become an economic forecasting institution?’ Yes, their license in Ghana is not to forecast the economy. And I sent them links from the IMF, links from Fitch, and links from Standard & Poor’s on the future outlook of Ghana’s economy.”
Hon. Sam Nartey George
Following this exchange, the Ministry directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to request a detailed cost breakdown of every bouquet sold in Ghana, including taxes and comparisons with six other African countries.
The company requested seven days to provide the data, despite the law allowing fines of 10,000 Ghana cedis per day for delays. “That’s what the law says. But because Sam George is a church child, I asked the NCA to waive the fine.”
He said the extension was granted as a goodwill gesture, though the company has yet to show reciprocal cooperation.
Impact Of Canal Plus Takeover On PayTV Price
Looking ahead, the Minister noted that French media giant Canal Plus has received clearance from South Africa’s competition commission to acquire MultiChoice, a deal expected to be completed around September.
“Canal Plus is willing to talk to us. I would not run away from the fact that Canal Plus’ attitude is light-years more positive than that of Multichoice. Multichoice seems to be just wanting to cash out, you know, because they’re about to leave. But you’ve cashed out enough in Ghana.”
Hon. Sam Nartey George
Sam George made it clear to Canal Plus that any operations in Ghana under MultiChoice’s current license will require honoring the 30 percent reduction demand.
He insisted on receiving commitments in writing before considering policy decisions, underscoring that the matter goes beyond one company and speaks to the government’s role in protecting consumers in a monopolistic market.
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