The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Nartey George
The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, has strongly criticised a proposal submitted by MultiChoice Ghana in response to growing calls for a reduction in DStv subscription fees, describing the company’s offer as “illogical” and failing to address the core issue of pricing.
In a statement released on Sunday, August 3, Mr. George disclosed that MultiChoice Ghana the operators of DStv in the country had offered to retain current subscription fees while halting the repatriation of revenue to its parent company. The Minister, however, rejected the proposal, asserting that it does nothing to ease the financial burden on Ghanaian consumers.
They proposed that I allow them to maintain the collection of the exorbitant bouquet prices
“They proposed that I allow them to maintain the collection of the exorbitant bouquet prices as they stand, but order them not to send the revenue to their headquarters,” Mr. George stated in a Facebook post. “In all honesty, that offer lacks any logic in my estimation. 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?”
MultiChoice Ghana had earlier issued a statement signed by its Managing Director, Mr. Alex Okyere
MultiChoice Ghana had earlier issued a statement signed by its Managing Director, Mr. Alex Okyere, defending its current pricing structure and calling the Minister’s earlier directive to the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend DStv’s broadcasting licence “regrettable.” The company maintained that lowering subscription fees was not financially feasible and indicated it was engaging with the government in good faith.
As part of its proposal to the Ministry and the NCA, MultiChoice offered to explore alternative forms of collaboration, including retaining current subscription rates while foregoing the transfer of revenue abroad.
The Minister, however, dismissed the approach, expressing frustration over what he described as “years of exploitation
The Minister, however, dismissed the approach, expressing frustration over what he described as “years of exploitation” of Ghanaian subscribers. He reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for reforms that ensure fair and affordable pricing for pay-TV services in the country.The standoff underscores ongoing tensions between the government and pay-TV operators over consumer protection and market fairness, with the Ministry vowing to pursue policies that prioritise the interests of Ghanaian households.
