The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George has issued a September 6 deadline to suspend the license of MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, should they fail to reduce subscription prices.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Digital Africa Summit in Accra, Sam George stressed that government is committed to ensure Ghanaian consumers get fair prices.
“As of now, they have until September 6. If there is no resolution, we will shut down the operations of MultiChoice. No company or corporati on is more powerful than the collective interest of the Ghanaian people,” he said.
Already, the ministry has imposed a daily fine of GHC10,000 on MultiChoice for failing to submit critical pricing data. As of Wednesday, September 3 the company owes about GHC150,000 in accumulated penalties.
“On August 7, the NCA, acting on my behalf, issued a 30-day notice to suspend the licence of Multichoice Ghana Limited because they failed to cut their price by 30%. Some 15 days ago, I met with them and imposed a GHC10,000 daily fine on them. So, now they owe us about GHC150,000, which the NCA will collect.
According to the minister, the government will meet with MultiChoice tomorrow to finalise discussions on the matter.
Samuel Nartey George had earlier requested Multichoice Ghana to reduce its DStv subscription fees by 30% owing to the appreciation of the Cedi against the dollar and other trading currencies.
However in response to the Minister’s request, DStv refused to reduce the subscription prices explaining that for over 8 years the Cedi has depreciated, hence the request to reduce prices by 30% is not feasible.
Sam George further ordered NCA to suspend license of Multichoice Ghana by Thursday, August 7, 2025 if the company fails to reduce its pricing packages.
However, in a statement released on Sunday, August 3, Multichoice and DStv while responding responded to the Minister said it is “not tenable” to reduce DStv subscription fees in the manner proposed by the Minister.
While expressing concern over the Minister’s remarks, MultiChoice noted that it has continually engaged in open and good-faith discussions with the Minister and the National Communications Authority (NCA) to address pricing concerns.
“It is regrettable that the Honourable Minister has taken this stance, notwithstanding our ongoing endeavours to engage candidly on this important matter,” the company said.
MultiChoice also revealed it has already submitted a proposal to the Minister and the NCA outlining an alternative path forward.
The NCA then granted a 30-day ultimatum for MultiChoice to make a decision. The matter has not yet been resolved. The latest development is that Sam George intends to shutdown the operations of MultiChoice by September 6 if no resolution is reached.
