*Sam George, Ghana鈥檚 Communications Technology and Innovation, accuses MultiChoice Ghana of backtracking on the company鈥檚 decision to obey the authorities鈥� directive to cut DSTv subscription prices by 30 percent, asserting 鈥榳e would proceed to effect the shutdown tomorrow (September 7), as indicated鈥�

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The Ghanaian Government has intensified the heat on MultiChoice Ghana, owned by the South African service provider, over increasing concerns, that PayTV company鈥檚 DSTv prices in Ghana were disproportionately high, compared to other African markets despite strong performance of the local currency.

绿帽献妻 learnt Ghana and MultiChoice at loggerheads over the latter鈥檚 DSTv price increments, as the duo are currently on each other鈥檚 neck over the matter.

Hon. Sam George, Ghana鈥檚 Minister for Communications Technology and Innovation

It is recalled the Ghanaian Government, early August 2025, had issued an express ultimatum to MultiChoice Ghana, to cut DSTv subscription prices by 30 percent before August 7, or face suspension of its broadcasting licence.

The company鈥檚 non-compliance with the government directive while meeting the deadline also came with a daily fine of GHC 10,000.

The authorities also contended that MultiChoice鈥檚 15 percent price hikes in DSTv from April this year was unjustified in view of the fact that Cedi had strengthened significantly 2025.

Speaking on the burning issue after the ultimatum, Hon. Sam George, Ghana鈥檚 Minister for Communications Technology and Innovation, then announced that MultiChoice had agreed to reduce subscription prices, a development many applauded as a breakthrough for the West African country.

Subsequently, George reportedly affirmed the agreement came after MultiChoice finally, submitted the comprehensive pricing data, which the authorities had long requested.

The data included a breakdown of bouquet prices, tax components, and pricing comparisons with at least six other African countries, including Nigeria.

Minister: MultiChoice Ghana backtracks on decision to obey directive

In a swift reaction to the government鈥檚 announcement, Minister George, in a statement, however, alleged that MultiChoice Ghana might have backpedalled in its decision, maintaining the pay-TV company did not at any time have such an agreement with the Ghanaian Government.

The company鈥檚 Management stated: 鈥淲e have noted the statement made by the Minister of Communications Technology and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Narhey George.

鈥淲e continue to engage with the Minister in a bid to find amicable solution that is beneficial for all parties involved, but does not jeopardise the viability of the DSTv service.

鈥淲e will fully participate in the established working committee. However, we wish to clarify that MultiChoice Group has not agreed to a price reduction.鈥�

We won鈥檛 tolerate 鈥榙isrespect鈥� for Ghanaian consumers, insists George

However, after receiving the company鈥檚 feedback, George Saturday, September 6, 2025, in a post shared on his verified X handle at Sam ‘Dzata’ George @samgeorgegh Sep 6, asserted that the country would not tolerate 鈥渄isrespect鈥� to Ghanaians.

The Minister further restated that the Ghanaian Government is going ahead to enforce its earlier decision of revoking the operating licence of MultiChoice Ghana.

He averred: 鈥淟et me be clear, I have no intention to continue tolerating the disrespect to Ghanaians by DSTv.

鈥淚f MultiChoice is not interested, as they claim in their last statement, in discussing a reduction in prices as they had indicated to me, we would proceed to effect the shutdown tomorrow, as indicated.鈥�

The Ghanaian Government also stated: 鈥淒STv indicated their willingness to engage the Ministry on its concerns on pricing, and prayed us to stay our enforcement action.

鈥淚f they have changed their position, then we simply would enforce the regulatory action.鈥�

鈥楪hana open for businesses that respect laws, institutions鈥�

Accusing MultiChoice Ghana of failure to operate as a responsible corporate citizen in the country, Minister George also wrote: 鈥淣o company is above the law. When MultiChoice is ready to discuss price reduction, they can come to the negotiation table. Until then, there is nothing for us to meet over.

鈥淭he @NCAGhana would carry out enforcement. Ghana is open for businesses that respect our laws and institutions.鈥�

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