At the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations’ second quarter briefing for 2025, Hon. Samuel Nartey George outlined a bold digital reform agenda aimed at transforming the digital experience of Ghanaians through improved pricing, accessibility, safety, and cultural sensitivity across key platforms.
In his candid and impassioned address, the minister spoke extensively on current regulatory engagements with MultiChoice Ghana over DSTV subscription pricing, the reopening of access negotiations with PayPal, and critical steps being taken to ensure content moderation on platforms such as TikTok.
The most significant revelations from the Minister’s update was his ongoing engagement with MultiChoice Ghana, the operators of DSTV, over the rising costs of subscription packages in the country.
Public dissatisfaction over DSTV pricing has been a recurring concern, with many Ghanaians questioning whether the costs are justifiable in light of current appreciable economic realities. Minister George acknowledged these complaints and said his ministry had taken action.
“Last week, I invited the senior leadership of MultiChoice Ghana to a formal dialogue on DSTV’s subscription pricing in Ghana. The meeting addressed public concerns about affordability, value for money, fairness, and service delivery.
“I made it clear the ministry’s expectation that pricing structures must be responsive to Ghana’s economic context.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations
He further revealed that a follow-up meeting was scheduled with both the Ghanaian and South African management teams of MultiChoice, even though the date — Friday — falls on a public holiday.
“The management from South Africa arrived tonight. The outcomes of this meeting will be shared with the public in due course. This engagement reflects our commitment to regulatory accountability and our resolve to ensure that digital services in Ghana remain fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of citizens.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations
Hon. Sam George did not mince words in setting expectations. “I make you one promise, I won’t leave tomorrow’s meeting without securing a drop in the pricing of DSTV. That is the solemn promise I make to you,” he declared firmly.
Securing Full Access to PayPal Services
The minister’s second major update involved renewed efforts to secure full access to PayPal services for Ghanaians — a longstanding demand among digital entrepreneurs, freelancers, and the broader online community in Ghana.
Currently, Ghanaians face restricted access to the platform due to issues related to regulatory compliance and regional restrictions.
“The ministry has formally reopened engagements with PayPal to ensure full access to its service for Ghanaian users. As of June 2025, PayPal’s regional government relations team has issued Ghana a compliance roadmap outlining the technical, regulatory, and financial standards required for whitelist reinstatement.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations
He added that the ministry was working closely with the Bank of Ghana and other key stakeholders to meet these conditions and to ensure that PayPal itself satisfies Ghana’s operational standards.
“I was on a call with the Governor of the Bank of Ghana yesterday. We’re trying to streamline all the regulatory issues, and I’m confident that in the next couple of weeks — but definitely before my next quarterly briefing — I should have good news on PayPal integration in Ghana.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations
This move is expected to greatly benefit Ghana’s growing digital economy, particularly among small businesses, online service providers, and fintech innovators who rely heavily on international payment gateways.
TikTok’s Regulation
Another major subject addressed during the briefing was the government’s engagement with TikTok, one of the most popular social media platforms among Ghanaian youth.
Hon. Sam George revealed that he met with TikTok’s West African government relations team on June 26 to discuss pressing issues around content safety, youth protection, and responsible digital creativity.
“As part of efforts to promote a safe, vibrant, and inclusive digital creative economy, I met with TikTok’s team. Our discussions focused on enforcing age restrictions, safeguarding minors, and promoting responsible content development.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations
The Minister took a strong stance on the proliferation of inappropriate content on the platform, expressing serious concern about its impact on Ghanaian cultural values.
“Let me just pause and say that I’m deeply concerned about some of the content on TikTok. Live sex and explicit material on TikTok is completely unacceptable and against our culture and our norms.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations
To tackle the issue, the ministry has mandated Ghana’s cybersecurity authorities to engage in constant surveillance of TikTok accounts based in Ghana. “We will work with the platform operator to take down those accounts and block the owners from operating on these platforms,” Sam George added.
In a move to promote STEM education through digital tools, the minister applauded TikTok’s introduction of a STEM-focused content feed and encouraged alignment with Ghana’s flagship 1 Million Coders initiative.
He called on TikTok to go further by establishing a local content moderation team that reflects Ghanaian cultural values and upholds user rights.
“I also urged TikTok to ensure fair compensation for Ghana’s content creators. And I proposed the establishment of a local moderation and content governance team to reflect Ghana’s values, our culture, and protect human user rights and support national regulatory expectations.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations
Hon. Sam George’s update demonstrated a proactive and citizen-centered approach to digital governance, signaling a clear shift toward more responsive and locally anchored policies in Ghana’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.
His direct and action-oriented tone reflected a determination to ensure that Ghanaians benefit fairly from the digital services they use and are protected from harmful or exploitative practices.
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