Communications Minister, Samuel Nartey George, has delivered a stern ultimatum to satellite television provider MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv and GOtv, following a collapse in talks over tariff reductions.
In a statement posted on Friday night, the minister accused the company of showing “utter disrespect” to Ghanaians by refusing to honour its earlier commitment to engage with government on the matter.
“Let me be clear: I have no intention of continuing to tolerate the disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv,” he wrote.
According to Mr. George, MultiChoice initially agreed to dialogue with the Communications Ministry and requested that enforcement action be suspended. However, the company has since backtracked, prompting the government to prepare regulatory measures that could result in the suspension of its services in Ghana.
“If MultiChoice has changed its position, then we will simply proceed to enforce regulatory action,” the minister declared, stressing that no company is above the law.
The National Communications Authority (NCA), which regulates broadcasting services in Ghana, is expected to spearhead any enforcement. A possible shutdown of DStv and GOtv services would affect millions of subscribers nationwide.
The dispute stems from widespread public outcry over the high cost of subscription fees. The Communications Ministry had initiated discussions with MultiChoice in response, urging the company to review its tariffs to ease the financial burden on consumers.
Mr. George reaffirmed that Ghana remains open to investment and business partnerships, but only within the framework of respect for national laws and institutions.
“Ghana is open for businesses that respect our laws and institutions,” he emphasized. “When MultiChoice is ready to discuss price reduction, they can return to the negotiation table. Until then, there is nothing more to meet over.”
The standoff has now placed the future of DStv and GOtv operations in Ghana at a critical crossroads, with subscribers awaiting the company’s next move.
https://x.com/samgeorgegh/status/1964076442842706419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1964076442842706419%7Ctwgr%5Ec722afa255e896fcff350258e041181b521b7315%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myjoyonline.com%2Fi-have-no-intention-of-continuing-to-tolerate-the-disrespect-to-ghanaians-by-dstv-sam-george%2F
