Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel George, is slated to address the press Monday amid an escalating dispute with MultiChoice Ghana over subscription pricing for its DStv satellite television service.
The briefing comes as a government-appointed stakeholder committee delivers its findings on the matter. The group, convened by the National Communications Authority at the Minister’s direction, has spent the past three weeks evaluating DStv’s pricing framework in Ghana and exploring potential regulatory responses.
The committee, which began its review on Sept. 8, was tasked with building a consensus around pricing issues and crafting proposals that balance commercial viability with consumer protection. It was also asked to design a strategy to address the illicit flow of DStv decoders and services from Nigeria into Ghana — a long-standing issue in the regional pay-TV market.
At Monday’s briefing, Mr. George is expected to present the committee’s recommendations, which may include a revised pricing model and policy proposals to curb cross-border piracy. The Minister has, in recent weeks, warned that regulatory action — including possible suspension of DStv’s local operations — remains on the table if pricing concerns are not addressed.
MultiChoice, which operates DStv across Africa, has pushed back against the government’s demands for price reductions, citing market pressures and operational costs. The outcome of the government’s review could set a precedent for how subscription-based media services are regulated in Ghana and possibly beyond.
The standoff highlights growing tension between governments and content providers in emerging markets, where affordability and access remain politically sensitive issues.
