The government has formed a joint pricing committee with MultiChoice Ghana Ltd., the local operator of satellite television service DStv, following a regulatory standoff over high subscription costs.
The move comes after the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations demanded a 30% reduction in fees, citing consumer protection concerns and statutory obligations under Ghana’s Electronic Communications Act.
In recent weeks, tensions escalated when regulators imposed a daily fine of GHS 10,000 (about $820) on MultiChoice for failing to submit pricing data, and warned of a possible suspension of the company’s operating license if it did not comply with a mandated price cut by Sept. 6.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Friday, Communications Minister Sam Nartey George said the pricing committee was established at MultiChoice’s request and includes representatives from the ministry, the National Communications Authority (NCA), MultiChoice Ghana, and parent company MultiChoice Africa.
“I will personally chair the committee,” Mr. George said, adding that the government rejected MultiChoice’s request for a 30-day review period and insisted on a faster resolution.
“Let us be clear—they have finally accepted that there will be a reduction,” the minister said. “We believe 14 days is sufficient, including weekends, to arrive at a suitable strategy.”
MultiChoice, a subsidiary of South Africa-based MultiChoice Group Ltd., dominates Ghana’s pay-TV market. The company has faced increasing pressure from regulators and consumers over pricing amid rising living costs in the West African nation.
The committee is expected to announce its recommendations later this month.
