Accra: Mr Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, has given DSTV a deadline of August 7, 2025, to comply with the government's directive to reduce prices for Multi-Choice Ghana's packages by 30 percent or face a shutdown. The Minister has instructed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend DSTV's broadcasting license if they fail to implement the price reduction by the given date.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr George made this announcement during his presentation at the Government Accountability Series Press Conference held at the Presidency in Accra. The Minister recounted a meeting with Multi-Choice, where the government requested a 30 percent price reduction to address public concerns about affordability and fairness in service delivery.
Mr George emphasized the need for pricing structures to align with Ghana's current economic conditions. He had formally requested a 30 percent reduction in package pricing, setting a deadline of July 21 for a response from Multi-Choice. On the deadline, he received a nine-page letter from Multi-Choice, explaining their refusal to reduce prices. They cited the depreciation of the Cedi by 240 percent over the past eight years and argued that the recent appreciation of the Cedi was unsustainable.
The Minister expressed his commitment to protecting the interests of the Ghanaian people, stating that they had been exploited for too long. He highlighted the price disparity between Ghana and other markets, noting that the premium bouquet offered in Ghana for $83 equivalent was available in Nigeria for $29 equivalent. Mr George questioned the justification for such discrepancies and insisted that DSTV align their prices with those in Nigeria, where the Naira had depreciated by 409 percent.
Mr George warned that if DSTV did not comply with the price reduction, their broadcasting license would be suspended on August 7, 2025. He reiterated the Ministry's dedication to leveraging public, private, and bilateral partnerships to expand digital opportunities, attract investment, and drive reforms in the ICT sector.
