The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has issued a stern warning to MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, that the company’s services could be shut down if it fails to commit to reducing subscription prices.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, September 5, the Minister accused MultiChoice of shifting its stance on price negotiations, describing the company’s latest clarification as an act of disrespect to Ghanaians.
“Let me be clear, I have no intention to continue tolerating the disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv,” Sam George wrote. “If MultiChoice is not interested, as they claim in their last statement, in discussing a reduction in prices as they had indicated to me, we would proceed to effect the shutdown tomorrow as indicated.”
The Minister explained that DStv had initially shown willingness to engage the Ministry on pricing concerns, leading government to suspend its earlier enforcement directive. However, he noted that MultiChoice’s latest statement contradicts that position and leaves no option, but to implement regulatory sanctions.
READ: DStv agrees to reduce subscription prices after talks
“DStv indicated their willingness to engage the Ministry on its concerns on pricing and prayed us to stay our enforcement action. If they have changed their position, then we simply would enforce the regulatory action,” he stressed.
The warning follows a statement released the same day by MultiChoice Ghana, which sought to “set the record straight” on the pricing dispute. The pay-TV operator confirmed its participation in a government-initiated stakeholder committee but emphasised that it “has not agreed to a price reduction.”
READ: MultiChoice denies agreeing to DStv price cut despite Minister’s claims
This clarification appears to have triggered the Minister’s hard-line response, as he insisted that Ghana would only entertain businesses that respect national laws and institutions.
The standoff over DStv pricing began in July 2025 after MultiChoice introduced new subscription fees, with increases of up to 20 percent on some packages. The hikes sparked outrage among subscribers, prompting the Ministry of Communication to intervene.
On August 7, 2025, the National Communications Authority (NCA) issued a suspension notice, directing MultiChoice to implement a 30 percent reduction within 30 days or risk losing its licence. The regulator also fined the company GHS 10,000 daily for failing to submit detailed cost structures, with the penalties accumulating to over GHS 150,000 by early September.
Although MultiChoice proposed freezing tariffs and halting remittances to its parent company in South Africa, government insisted that a concrete reduction in subscription rates was non-negotiable.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
