Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that the government will move ahead with plans to suspend the operations of pay-TV operator MultiChoice Ghana, citing the company’s refusal to engage in negotiations over subscription price reductions.
The standoff comes after MultiChoice Ghana denied agreeing to lower prices for its DStv service, despite the formation of a five-member joint committee — comprising representatives from the Ministry, the National Communications Authority (NCA), MultiChoice Ghana, and MultiChoice Africa — tasked with formulating a pricing reduction strategy.
In a Facebook post Friday, Mr. George said MultiChoice had earlier indicated a willingness to engage on the issue and requested a suspension of enforcement actions. However, he warned that if the company maintains its current stance, regulatory action would follow immediately.
“Let me be clear, I have no intention of tolerating what I consider disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv,” Mr. George wrote. “If MultiChoice is not interested in discussing a reduction in prices as earlier indicated, we will proceed to effect the shutdown tomorrow as planned.”
MultiChoice Ghana, in a statement released earlier Friday, said it remains open to dialogue but emphasized that no decision has been made regarding a price cut.
The dispute marks an escalation in tensions between the South African pay-TV provider and Ghanaian authorities, who have pressed for more transparency and affordability in pricing. The Ministry has previously cited the company for failing to submit required pricing data, a violation of Ghana’s Electronic Communications Act, and imposed a statutory fine of GH¢10,000 per day.
Officials have warned that MultiChoice could face suspension of its operating license should it fail to reduce prices by September 6.
“Ghana remains open for business,” Mr. George stated. “But no company, regardless of origin or size, is above the law.”
MultiChoice has not issued a further public response following the minister’s latest remarks.
The situation underscores growing regulatory scrutiny of pricing practices in Africa’s telecommunications and media sectors, as governments face increasing pressure to address consumer protection and affordability amid rising living costs.
Source:TheDotNews