Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said Monday that the government’s recent negotiations with MultiChoice Africa were aimed at delivering better value to Ghanaian consumers—not undermining the satellite TV giant’s business operations.
The remarks follow a landmark agreement set to take effect on October 1, 2025, that will see DStv customers across Ghana receive automatic upgrades to higher-tier subscription packages at no additional cost. The upgrades are expected to increase content value for subscribers by between 33% and 50%, depending on their current plan.
Speaking during an appearance on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, George addressed criticism that the move may have been punitive toward MultiChoice. “I had one sole goal — to achieve more for the Ghanaian people for the service that they are paying,” he said. “It is important to bear in mind that despite what people may think, I didn’t set out to destroy DStv’s business.”
The agreement comes in the wake of heightened regulatory scrutiny and consumer discontent over rising subscription fees. In response to public pressure, the National Communications Authority—acting on a directive from George—convened a stakeholder committee to evaluate DStv pricing practices and recommend a path forward. The panel also examined the challenges of cross-border piracy and the long-term sustainability of MultiChoice’s operations in Ghana.
Under the new pricing structure:
Customers on the GHS59 Padi Bouquet will be upgraded to the GHS99 Access Bouquet, receiving 35 additional channels and realizing a 40% value gain.
Access subscribers (GHS99) will be moved to the GHS190 Family Bouquet, saving 48%.
Family subscribers (GHS190) will be upgraded to Compact (GHS380), gaining access to live football broadcasts and enjoying a 50% value bump.
Compact users (GHS380) will transition to Compact Plus (GHS570), a 33% increase in value.
Compact Plus subscribers (GHS570) will be shifted to Premium (GHS865), gaining 18 new channels and a 34% improvement in value.
Premium subscribers, who will remain on their current plan, will now be eligible to enter a sweepstakes for fully paid trips to selected English Premier League matches, subject to terms and conditions.
The offer is open to both new and existing subscribers beginning October 1, with no restrictions on bouquet choice. Additionally, the price of MultiChoice’s Zapper decoder and dish kit has been halved for new customers, bringing the cost down to GHS555.
Mr. George noted that the government initially proposed a 30% value increase during early talks. “What we have now — the lowest is 33%, the highest is 50% — and I extend my warmest gratitude to the MultiChoice team for that,” he said at a separate press conference.
He described the final outcome as a “win-win” arrangement that balances consumer protection with business viability. “The committee is of the view that this increased value offer addresses the government’s concerns. It reduces pressure on Ghanaian households while ensuring the sustainability of DStv’s service in Ghana,” he said.
MultiChoice Africa has not publicly commented on the negotiations, but industry analysts view the deal as a strategic compromise that could serve as a model for similar engagements across the continent.
