Government Stands Firm on MultiChoice Price Dispute, Shutdown Looms September 6
Accra,Ghana – September 3,2025 - The Mahama administration has reiterated its determination to suspending the operations of MultiChoice Ghana, the parent company of DStv, if the broadcaster fails to comply with directives to reduce subscription prices.
Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, emphasized that the government will not back down from its stance, warning that MultiChoice faces shutdown by September 6, 2025, unless an agreement is reached.
“As of now, they have until September 6. If there is no resolution, we will shut down the operations of MultiChoice,” he insisted.
The controversy began when MultiChoice Ghana increased its subscription prices by 15%, prompting the government to demand a 30% reduction. The National Communications Authority (NCA) served MultiChoice with a 30-day notice to suspend its license on August 7, 2025, citing public interest concerns over the pricing structure.
The NCA's action was triggered by a directive from Minister Sam George, who accused MultiChoice of disregarding the financial burden on Ghanaian consumers.
The ministry has imposed a daily fine of GHC10,000 on MultiChoice for failing to submit critical pricing data. As of Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the accumulated penalties stand at approximately GHC150,000, which the NCA will collect if the company fails to comply.
Sam George who was speaking on the sidelines of the Digital Africa Summit in Accra, stressed that the government prioritizes the collective interest of the Ghanaian people over corporate interests. "No company or corporation is more powerful than the collective interest of the Ghanaian people," he said, emphasizing that the government will shut down MultiChoice's operations if necessary.
MultiChoice Ghana has rejected the proposed 30% price cut, arguing that it would threaten service quality and staff retention. The company maintains that subscription fees reflect operational realities and service quality. In negotiations with the government, MultiChoice proposed maintaining current subscription fees in exchange for suspending revenue repatriation to its headquarters, a suggestion Sam George rejected as inadequate.
Source – Lead News Online/Jeff Ago
