The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend the broadcasting licence of MultiChoice-owned DSTV if the company fails to reduce its subscription prices by Wednesday, August 7, 2025.
The directive follows DSTV’s refusal to adjust its pricing in response to the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.
Speaking during a ministerial briefing on Friday, August 1, Mr. George revealed that the government had engaged DSTV officials in high-level discussions on July 4, 2025, in a bid to secure lower subscription fees, following growing public outcry over the affordability of satellite television services.
“As Minister, my fidelity is to the Ghanaian people. I believe that consumers have been fleeced and exploited for too long,” he said.
DSTV, in a nine-page response to the Ministry, argued that the cedi had depreciated by more than 200% over the past eight years. The company maintained that recent gains in the currency were not a sufficient basis for price adjustments, calling the cedi’s recovery “a fluke” and “unsustainable.”
Minister George rejected that position, describing it as unjustifiable and detrimental to Ghanaian consumers.
“On July 21, I received a letter from MultiChoice explaining why they were unwilling to reduce their pricing. They cited long-term currency depreciation and dismissed recent appreciation as insignificant,” he said.
“I have since written to the NCA directing them to suspend DSTV’s licence by August 7 if the company fails to revise its pricing downward.”
The Minister stressed that the government would not tolerate what he described as “price rigidity” and “plain stealing” by service providers at the expense of the public.
The standoff comes amid widespread frustration from subscribers, many of whom have called for immediate regulatory action to ensure fair and affordable access to pay-TV services.
The Ministry has pledged continued oversight of the broadcast and telecommunications sector to protect consumer interests and ensure market fairness.
