Multichoice Ghana Faces Licence Suspension Over Refusal to Cut DStv Prices as Deadline Expires Today
Multichoice Ghana, operators of DStv, is under mounting pressure to reduce its subscription fees or risk having its operating licence suspended, following a directive from the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.
The directive, issued by the sector Minister, Samuel Nartey George, comes in response to the company’s refusal to revise its prices downward despite the recent significant appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.
Addressing journalists in Accra, Mr. George criticised Multichoice’s position as “out of touch” with the current economic climate, arguing that the company’s failure to reflect exchange rate gains in its pricing structure is unfair to Ghanaian consumers.
“The government will not hesitate to take regulatory action if the company fails to respond appropriately by the stated deadline,” Mr. George warned, adding that the Ministry is determined to protect consumers and ensure fair pricing in the pay-TV sector.
Multichoice has, however, defended its pricing model. In a detailed nine-page response, the company cited long-term exchange rate instability, pointing out that the cedi has depreciated by over 200% in the last eight years. The firm argued that the recent appreciation is not strong or sustained enough to warrant a price cut.
According to Multichoice, its pricing decisions are informed by broader market dynamics and long-term planning, rather than short-term currency movements.
The development has drawn attention from Parliament, with the Minority urging restraint and calling for dialogue between government and the South African-owned broadcaster to avoid disruption in services to subscribers.
Nonetheless, Minister George has remained firm, maintaining that regulatory action will be enforced should Multichoice fail to comply within the deadline.
Industry analysts say the standoff could have significant implications for the pay-TV landscape in Ghana, where DStv holds a dominant market position. The coming days are expected to determine whether the broadcaster will adjust its pricing or risk being suspended in one of its key African markets.
