MultiChoice Ghana has firmly rejected the government’s demand for a 30% reduction in DStv subscription fees, describing the proposal as economically “not tenable” despite recent gains in the Ghana cedi’s performance against major currencies.
The pay-television giant’s response comes after Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George issued an ultimatum requiring the company to implement the price cuts by August 7, 2025, or face suspension of its broadcasting license.
The minister’s directive stems from the cedi’s approximately 30% appreciation over the past five months, which he argues should translate into proportional reductions in subscription costs for Ghanaian consumers.
In a statement signed by Managing Director Alex Okyere, MultiChoice maintained that while it appreciates the recent appreciation of the cedi, “it is not tenable to reduce the DStv subscription fees in the manner proposed by the Minister” under current economic conditions.
The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining service quality and customer choice as key factors influencing its pricing structure.
The standoff highlights broader tensions between multinational corporations and government regulatory frameworks in Ghana’s evolving digital economy.
Minister George has characterized the current pricing as unfair to Ghanaians, particularly given the strengthened local currency, and has threatened regulatory action if his demands are not met.
MultiChoice stated that it “values its subscribers and endeavors at all times to keep DStv subscription” rates reasonable while balancing operational costs and service delivery requirements.
The company has proposed alternative engagement paths to resolve the dispute, though specific details of these proposals have not been fully disclosed.
The minister’s aggressive stance reflects growing public frustration with subscription costs that remain unchanged despite favorable currency movements.
During a press briefing under the “Government Accountability Series,” George dismissed DStv’s initial counter-proposals, describing them as lacking logic and failing to address consumer concerns.
Industry analysts suggest this confrontation could set precedent for how Ghana regulates foreign-owned media companies and their pricing strategies.
The outcome may influence similar disputes across West Africa, where MultiChoice operates extensive satellite television networks serving millions of subscribers.
MultiChoice has assured its staff through internal communications that it is “engaging relevant stakeholders to find an amicable solution that protects both the company’s operations” and subscriber interests.
The company maintains that current currency gains are not stable enough to warrant the proposed reduction levels.
As the August 7 deadline approaches, both parties appear entrenched in their positions. The minister has shown no indication of softening his stance, while MultiChoice continues to argue that operational realities make the proposed cuts financially unsustainable.
The resolution of this dispute will likely determine not only DStv pricing in Ghana but also establish important precedents for government intervention in private sector pricing decisions, particularly for foreign-owned companies operating in Ghana’s telecommunications and media sectors.
The outcome could significantly impact Ghana’s media landscape and set the tone for future regulatory relationships between the government and international service providers operating in the country’s growing digital economy.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
