Ghana's government has issued a final ultimatum to MultiChoice Ghana Ltd., threatening to suspend the pay-TV operator's local license unless it complies with a directive to lower its subscription prices by September 6.
Communications Minister Sam George, speaking on the sidelines of the Digital Africa Summit in Accra, said the government would proceed with a suspension if the South African-owned company fails to agree to a 30% price reduction.
“No company or corporation is more powerful than the collective interest of the Ghanaian people,” Mr. George said. “If there is no resolution by September 6, we will shut down the operations of MultiChoice.”
The National Communications Authority (NCA), acting on behalf of the ministry, issued a 30-day suspension notice to the company on August 7, citing non-compliance with regulatory directives. In addition, the regulator has imposed a daily fine of 10,000 Ghanaian cedis (approximately $850) for failing to submit required pricing data.
As of Wednesday, MultiChoice had accrued roughly GHC150,000 ($12,700) in penalties.
The dispute highlights growing tensions between African regulators and multinational service providers over pricing structures, data transparency, and market dominance. MultiChoice, which operates satellite television services including DStv and GOtv across Africa, has not publicly responded to the latest warning.
Ghana’s move adds pressure on the broadcaster as governments across the continent increasingly scrutinize pricing in the pay-TV sector, citing affordability concerns for local consumers.
