NCA Moves to Suspend DSTV Over MultiChoice Ghana’s Refusal to Reduce Prices
- The NCA has moved to suspend MultiChoice Ghana's operating licence due to its refusal to lower DSTV subscription prices
- The dispute arose after the Minister for Communication, Samuel Nartey George, called for a 30 per cent price reduction
- MultiChoice Ghana rejected the proposal, claiming the minister's demand was untenable
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has informed MultiChoice Ghana of its intention to suspend the operating licence of DSTV operations in the country.
This action comes after MultiChoice Ghana's refusal to heed to calls by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, to reduce the prices for their Pay-TV packages.
Source: Facebook
The dispute began when Mr George requested a 30 per cent reduction in DSTV's prices following the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.
However, MultiChoice Ghana rejected the proposal, saying the minister's demand was untenable.
Consequently, the Communications Minister directed the NCA to suspend DSTV's license effective August 7, 2025, if the company fails to reduce its subscription prices.
Read the NDC's statement below:
Sam George's argument for DSVT price reduction
Minister George highlighted significant pricing disparities between Ghana and other African countries, noting that DSTV's premium bouquet costs $83 in Ghana compared to $29 in Nigeria.
Mr. George also cited the appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against major international trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, as the basis for his demands.
However, MultiChoice Ghana responded in a press release dated Sunday, August 3, 2025, stating that they would not be able to meet the minister's demands.
They argued that the cedi's recent appreciation was not sufficient grounds for a price reduction.
“It is not tenable to reduce the DSTV subscription fees in the manner proposed by the Minister,” it stated, stressing that it has never referred to the cedi’s appreciation as a “fluke.”
The statement from MultiChoice further explained that the company values its subscribers and strives to keep DSTV subscription fees as low as possible, despite the challenging competitive and macro-economic environment in which it operates, without compromising on customer choice and the quality of its services.
“MultiChoice values its subscribers and endeavours at all times to keep DStv subscription fees as low as possible, despite the extremely challenging competitive and macro-economic environment in which we operate, without compromising on customer choice and the quality of the services we offer,” the statement read.
It expressed regret that the Minister had taken this stance, despite MultiChoice's ongoing efforts to engage with him candidly and in good faith on this important matter.
In an attempt to reach a resolution, the company stated it had made a proposal to the Honourable Minister and the National Communications Authority for further engagement.
Source: Facebook
Sam George responds to Multichoice Ghana
Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh reported that Minister of Communications, Samuel Nartey George, reiterated his demand for DStv subscription fees to be reduced.
In a Facebook post. Sam George responded to the Multichoice statement released on Sunday, August 3, after he had given them an ultimatum to reduce their prices.
Social media users who saw Sam George's post shared their varied opinions on it.
Source: YEN.com.gh
