The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Professor Michael Ayamga-Adongo, has rallied behind the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, in the ongoing debate over DStv’s new subscription pricing.
Prof. Ayamga-Adongo insisted that the Communications Minister deserves praise rather than criticism for securing concessions from MultiChoice Africa that will ease the financial burden on Ghanaian households.
His comments followed Hon. George’s announcement that MultiChoice had agreed to a restructuring of DStv packages for the Ghanaian market.
Beginning October 1, 2025, subscription costs will see between 33 and 50 percent reductions depending on the bouquet, alongside additional value offers – which the Minister described as an “unprecedented” concession.
“For a very long time, I have been mourning inside about the fact that regulators and ministries were quite inactive in the country, and consumers were being ransacked. Take the telcos, for example: I pay more for dysfunctional voice and data services from them”
Professor Michael Ayamga-Adongo, Deputy CEO of EPA
The professor argued that the public should view the intervention as an important step toward stronger consumer protection.
“It was business as usual for a long time until a certain Sam George came onto the scene and made it an even more topical issue. That should be commended, because it was taken for granted that you can come into the country and roll out a service that is dysfunctional and still charge very high prices”
Professor Michael Ayamga-Adongo, Deputy CEO of EPA
Prof. Ayamga-Adongo further noted that even modest gains in the area of consumer welfare should be recognised as progress. For him, the fact that this milestone was achieved with Multichoice is a strong signal of what is possible with the future of price regulation in the country.
According to the professor, the current government had proved beyond doubt that service providers who exploit Ghanaians unnecessarily would not be allowed to go scot-free anymore.
“Somebody brought the service providers to the table – we must learn as a country to reward effort and to also take the small incremental changes,” he said, stressing that the small important wins today will pave the way for bigger ones tomorrow.
Prof. Ayamga-Adongo added that he was disappointed to see the Minister subjected to backlash despite championing the concerns of consumers in a challenging and complex market environment that makes it particularly difficult to secure a price reduction of any kind.
“Instead of applauding him, he is being criticised,” Prof. Ayamga-Adongo complained, and challenged unsatisfied Ghanaians to put into proper perspective the successes the Communication Minister has chalked.
MultiChoice Explains New Rates
Meanwhile, MultiChoice Ghana has defended the new pricing structure, stressing that it represents a fair balance between sustainability and consumer affordability. Nii Armah Dagadu, Head of Corporate Affairs, hinted at further future adjustments.
“Depending on how the current DStv rates go, there may be a review in December, which could make things better. There are no hidden costs. DStv premium subscribers receive promotions because there is nothing more to add; they also get Showmax for free”
Nii Armah Dagadu, Head of Corporate Affairs, Multichoice Ghana
Beyond dismissing suggestions of hidden charges in its new concessions with the government, Mr. Dagadu clarified that unlike premium subscribers who already enjoy maximum value, the company’s revisions would be particularly beneficial for mid-range subscribers.
He however emphasised that “DStv’s new rates are a win-win for everyone,” regardless of the different benefits. But Hon. Sam George called it a “big win.”
Responding to critics, the Minister insisted the outcome of the negotiations with MultiChoice was a landmark victory for Ghanaian consumers. “There’s no other way to describe it,” Hon. George said proudly.
He explained that the new pricing structure takes into account the bouquet system that determines access to specific content such as football leagues, noting that subscribers would now pay significantly less for the same content.
He cited the Compact Plus package as an example, pointing out that it previously cost GHS 570 but will now be available at GHS 380 under the new pricing structure.
Acknowledging that some consumers had expected a flat reduction across all packages, Hon. George stressed that the negotiated settlement still represented a balanced outcome and should not be disregarded.
“I think we should be grateful to MultiChoice for their openness to engage with us and our ability to get this for the Ghanaian people,” he added.
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