Ghana’s government has issued a firm warning to satellite TV provider DStv, giving the company until Thursday, August 7, to reduce its subscription fees by 30% or risk having its broadcasting licence suspended.
The directive, delivered by Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, is targeted at MultiChoice Ghana, the local subsidiary of South Africa’s MultiChoice Group.
Speaking on Monday, George said he had instructed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to begin suspension procedures if MultiChoice fails to comply with the government’s demand.
“I have directed the NCA to act swiftly. If by the 7th of August DStv has not complied, their broadcasting licence will be suspended,” he said.
The confrontation comes after DStv rejected a government proposal calling for a 30% reduction in subscription fees.
George criticized the company’s justification, which pointed to the Ghanaian cedi’s 200% depreciation over the past eight years, calling it outdated and no longer relevant in light of current economic conditions.
In 2025, Ghana’s cedi has become one of the best-performing currencies globally, appreciating by 40% against the U.S. dollar, second only to the Russian ruble, according to Bloomberg data.
George argued that with the improved exchange rate, MultiChoice’s pricing structure could no longer be defended.
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He also pointed out sharp pricing differences between countries, stating that MultiChoice charges $83 for its premium bouquet in Ghana, while offering the same package in Nigeria for just $29.
In response, MultiChoice Ghana called the government’s demand “not tenable” in a statement released on Sunday.
The company said economic pressures and the need to maintain service quality make such a steep reduction unrealistic.
Managing Director Alex Okyere warned that implementing a forced price cut could lead to job losses and reduced service options for customers.
He added that MultiChoice had submitted alternative proposals to the Minister and the NCA in an effort to reach a resolution.
However, those proposals were swiftly dismissed by George in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He questioned why MultiChoice was able to comply with a court order in Nigeria that blocked price increases, but refused to implement a similar reduction in Ghana.
One of the proposals from MultiChoice included freezing subscription fees at current levels while suspending all revenue remittances to its headquarters. George dismissed the suggestion as illogical.
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Image Credit: MyjoyOnline.com
