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National Communications Authority (NCA) has officially served MultiChoice Ghana Limited with a notice of its intention to suspend the company’s authorization to operate its Subscription Management Service for Satellite Television Broadcasting (Pay TV Direct-to-Home Bouquet).
This action follows a directive issued by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, amid a growing dispute over what the Minister describes as unfair and exorbitant subscription fees imposed on Ghanaians by MultiChoice, operators of DStv.
Minister Nartey George has strongly criticised MultiChoice Ghana’s pricing model, calling it exploitative and insensitive to Ghana’s current economic realities. He reaffirmed his commitment to regulatory action, stating that the Ministry would not permit what he described as “corporate impunity” in the communications sector.
In a response issued on Sunday, August 3, MultiChoice Ghana described the Minister’s directive to the NCA as “regrettable,” arguing that further reductions in subscription fees are not feasible under existing market conditions.
However, the Minister rejected this explanation, stating that it fails to reflect the financial hardships faced by average Ghanaian households.
In its statement dated Thursday, August 7, the NCA indicated that the move is grounded in Section 13 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775). The authority cited concerns that MultiChoice Ghana’s pricing structure is “inimical to the public interest.”
“By this notice, MultiChoice Ghana has thirty (30) days within which the company may present its views, provide remedial action, or submit a written statement of objections to the suspension of the authorisation,” the NCA stated.
The notice initiates a 30-day window for the company to respond. Failure to satisfactorily address the concerns raised could lead to a suspension of its operating license.
This regulatory showdown comes amid rising public dissatisfaction over the cost of pay-TV services in Ghana. The controversy has also drawn the attention of the Minority in Parliament, who have called for a diplomatic resolution, urging constructive dialogue between the Ministry, MultiChoice Ghana, and the NCA.
Despite these calls for engagement, Minister George has made it clear that regulatory enforcement will proceed as planned.
