The Director of Arbitration and Mediation at the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA), Nana Prempeh Okogyeabour Aduhene, has criticised the stance taken by Minister of Communication, Sam George, regarding the ongoing debate over DStv’s subscription packages.
Speaking in a phone interview on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Aduhene described the minister’s approach as “wrong” and unlikely to produce meaningful results.
“For the regulator and the minister to insist that a private business entity should reduce its prices simply because the cedi is appreciating against the dollar, that was wrong,” Aduhene stated.
On the same day, DStv issued a statement saying that its “value-enhancement” offer is a limited-time promotion running from October 1 to December. This contradicts earlier claims by the minister that customers would be permanently upgraded to higher-tier packages.
“This promotion is our gesture to give our customers even more value. New, active, and previously disconnected customers who are active during the offer period will get to view one package higher than what they have paid for, at no extra cost,” the statement read.
The clarification sparked public debate, with many questioning the minister’s earlier assertions.
Reacting to the controversy, Aduhene said the minister should have allowed consumers to lead the advocacy rather than assuming the role of a regulator, especially after CPA had issued multiple cautions.
“If there’s a price difference between DStv Ghana and other countries like Nigeria or Kenya, it’s the consumers who should raise the issue, not the regulator. Unless the NCA detects that DStv is making excessive after-tax profits in Ghana, there’s no regulatory breach,” he explained.
Aduhene also dismissed claims that DStv is overcharging Ghanaians, arguing that the service is a luxury, not a necessity.
“DStv is a premium entertainment product. Those who choose to patronize it do so willingly. Based on the cost structure, I don’t believe they’re overcharging us.”
He emphasized that meaningful change would only come through collective consumer action.
“Consumers need to stand up and say, ‘DStv, you’re overcharging us,’ and switch off their decoders. If done in unison, DStv would be compelled to negotiate. That’s the most effective approach.”
Shortly after the statement indicating their offer was a promotion, Multichoice Ghana, issued another press release, clarifying that the FAQs published on its website created an impression of a contradiction regarding the DSTV value offering.
The debate over DStv’s pricing and promotional strategies continues to stir public interest, with growing calls for transparency, consumer empowerment, and regulatory clarity.
