MultiChoice Africa will implement sweeping upgrades to its DStv television subscription packages in Ghana beginning October 1, 2025, following a new agreement with the Ghanaian government aimed at enhancing consumer value amid economic pressures.
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, announced the changes at a press briefing on Monday, following negotiations between the Ministry, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and MultiChoice Africa.
The agreement will see all existing DStv subscription tiers automatically upgraded to the next package level at no additional cost to consumers, representing value increases ranging from 33% to 50%.
“Our minimum ask was a 30% improvement in value,” Mr. George said. “What we’ve secured is significantly more.”
The decision follows rising public criticism over DStv pricing and content offerings in Ghana, and forms part of a broader governmental effort to regulate digital services in favor of consumer welfare.
Breakdown of Upgraded Subscription Tiers
Under the new structure:
Padi (GHS59) subscribers will be upgraded to Access (GHS99), gaining 35 additional channels.
Access (GHS99) subscribers will receive the Family package (GHS190), adding 19 channels.
Family (GHS190) subscribers will move to the Compact package (GHS380), with 22 more channels, including access to live sports content.
Compact (GHS380) subscribers will be upgraded to Compact Plus (GHS570), gaining 12 channels.
Compact Plus (GHS570) customers will be upgraded to Premium (GHS865), which includes 18 new channels.
Subscribers at the Premium (GHS865) tier will retain all existing content and receive automatic entry into a promotional draw offering fully paid trips to attend selected English Premier League matches in Europe. Terms and conditions will apply.
The new benefits will be extended to both new and existing subscribers, with no restrictions on package migration, according to the Ministry.
Strategic Pricing and Market Expansion
In addition to subscription upgrades, MultiChoice Africa will implement a 50% price reduction on its Zapper decoder and satellite dish kit, cutting the cost for new customers to GHS555.
The move signals a strategy to increase customer acquisition in the Ghanaian market, which has experienced stagnation in pay-TV penetration due to affordability concerns and economic headwinds.
“MultiChoice has acted in good faith as a corporate partner,” Mr. George stated. “This is a responsible business engaging in a transparent negotiation with government for the benefit of the Ghanaian consumer.”
MultiChoice Africa, a unit of South Africa-based MultiChoice Group Ltd., is facing increasing regulatory scrutiny across its operating markets as governments push for more competitive pricing and locally relevant content offerings.
The company did not issue a formal statement at the press briefing, but insiders confirmed the new policy aligns with its regional customer growth strategy.
