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Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has strongly criticised MultiChoice Ghana’s response to calls for reduced DSTV subscription prices, describing the company’s proposal as “lacking logic” and failing to address the real issue.
In a statement released by MultiChoice on Sunday, August 3, and signed by its Managing Director, Alex Okyere, the company argued that reducing subscription fees was not viable. Instead, they proposed to retain current pricing levels but offered to halt the repatriation of revenue to their headquarters—a move they claimed would demonstrate goodwill.
However, in a sharp response via Facebook, Mr. George dismissed the proposal, saying it does not solve the fundamental problem of high costs for Ghanaian consumers.
“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. 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?” he asked.
The Minister also highlighted a disparity in MultiChoice’s operations across the region, citing how the company complied with price reversal orders from Nigerian authorities under similar circumstances.
“This year in April, when the Ghanaian cedi had appreciated by 10%, inflation had dropped by over 5%, and fuel prices had gone down, DSTV still increased prices by 15%. Why should Ghanaians pay more when conditions are improving?” Mr. George questioned.
He reaffirmed his stance on pushing for pricing reforms, insisting that only proposals that lead to actual subscription reductions will be entertained. “I remain open to ‘constructive engagements’ that are centred on price reduction. Anything else is tangential and of no consequence,” he emphasized.
The standoff between the Ministry and MultiChoice has intensified public debate on the affordability and fairness of pay-TV services in Ghana. With the August 7 deadline approaching for DSTV to revise its pricing or risk licence suspension, the spotlight remains on how the company will respond.
