Minister for Communications, Sam George, has granted a one-week extension to a government-commissioned committee tasked with reviewing DSTv’s pricing structure, as authorities grapple with consumer affordability issues and cross-border piracy.
The stakeholder committee, which began deliberations on September 8, is now expected to submit its final report by September 29, the National Communications Authority (NCA) said in a statement Tuesday. The extension, the agency noted, is aimed at allowing the panel sufficient time to finalize consultations and reconcile differing stakeholder views.
The committee’s mandate includes crafting a commercially viable pricing framework for Multichoice’s DSTv service that reflects Ghana’s market dynamics while also addressing regulatory concerns. The panel is also charged with proposing solutions to curb the widespread illicit importation and use of DSTv decoders and subscriptions from Nigeria—a practice that has long undermined local broadcasting rules and revenue collection.
“The committee has made significant progress but requires additional time to complete its work and ensure its recommendations address the Minister’s concerns comprehensively,” the NCA said.
The review comes as Ghanaian consumers voice mounting frustration over rising subscription costs for the South African pay-TV provider, a staple in many homes. Analysts say the pricing controversy underscores broader tensions in African media markets, where regional disparities in regulation and enforcement continue to fuel consumer dissatisfaction and piracy.
Multichoice Group, which operates DSTv, has not publicly commented on the ongoing review.
