Ghana’s government has issued an ultimatum to satellite broadcaster DStv, demanding a 30% reduction in subscription fees by Thursday, August 7, 2025, and warning that failure to comply will result in the suspension of its broadcasting licence.
Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George announced that he has instructed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to begin suspension proceedings immediately if the demand is unmet.
George accused MultiChoice of exploiting high pricing under the guise of exchange rate losses, pointing out that the Ghanaian cedi depreciated by over 200% in the past eight years, which he said is no longer a valid justification amid Ghana’s improving currency position.
“My fidelity lies with the Ghanaian people. They have been cheated for years, and it is time we put an end to that,” he said.
He also highlighted the stark contrast in pricing across markets – DStv’s premium package costs about US $83 in Ghana, compared with around US $29 in Nigeria for the same offering.
However, MultiChoice Ghana has rejected the proposed price cut, arguing that the reduction would compromise service quality and endanger jobs. Managing Director Alex Okyere stated the company had submitted alternative proposals, such as freezing current prices while suspending revenue remittance to its headquarters—a suggestion the minister dismissed as illogical.
Under Ghana’s Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), the NCA is empowered to suspend or revoke a licence in cases of non-compliance with regulatory directives, provided that due process — including written notice and a response period — is followed.
Disputes over pricing may fall within tariff regulation clauses, which allow intervention primarily in cases of market dominance or anti-competitive pricing practices, an area that may expose the government to legal challenges if not well substantiated.
Ahead of the August 7 deadline, all eyes are on whether MultiChoice Ghana will submit to the government’s pricing demand or continue negotiations. If no agreement is reached, the NCA may move to suspend the company’s licence, disrupting services for millions of subscribers and impacting hundreds of local jobs.
