Government, MultiChoice in High-Stakes Showdown Over DStv Pricing
Accra, Ghana – 3 August, 2025 – The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, for disregarding what he's decribed as 'the economic concerns ' of Ghanaians. The company recently rejected the minister's proposal to reduce DStv subscription fees by 30%.
According to Samuel Nartey George, MultiChoice's decision to increase DStv prices by 15% in April 2025 was unjustified, especially considering the Ghanaian cedi's 10% appreciation, significant drop in inflation, and decreased fuel prices. He accused the company of treating Ghanaians with less respect than other African markets, pointing to its decision to suspend price hikes in Nigeria after legal and parliamentary interventions.
During negotiations, MultiChoice proposed maintaining current subscription fees while suspending revenue repatriation to its headquarters. However, the minister flatly rejected this offer, stating that it lacked logic and failed to address the core issue of affordability for Ghanaians. "The essence of my action is to see Ghanaians pay a fair price for the services offered. How does this proposal solve the real issue?" he questioned.
The minister in a Facebook post emphasized that his advocacy is rooted in fairness and consumer protection, not mere political grandstanding. He underscored the need for a new era of public service that holds corporations accountable to the Ghanaian people. Samuel Nartey George remains open to discussions with MultiChoice but only if they center on reducing prices.
MultiChoice described the proposed 30% price cut as "not tenable," citing the need to reflect economic realities and service quality in subscription fees. The company warned that a forced reduction could lead to job losses and diminished service offerings.
As the August 7 deadline approaches, tensions between the government and MultiChoice continue to build.
Below is a press statement issued by MultiChoice Ghana rejecting the minister's proposal to reduce DStv subscription fees by 30%:
Source – Lead News Online/Leticia Okpoti
