Multichoice Rebuffs Minister’s Claim On DSTV Price Cuts, Cites Market Conditions
MultiChoice Ghana has pushed back against recent assertions by the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, over DStv subscription fees, insisting it is not feasible to reduce prices in the manner proposed.
In a statement dated August 3, the pay-TV operator said it was “regrettable” that the Minister had adopted a confrontational stance despite what it described as “ongoing endeavours” to engage constructively. The company disclosed that it had tabled a proposal to the Minister and the National Communications Authority (NCA) for an alternative engagement framework.
“Having operated in Ghana for 30-plus years, we are mindful of the dire implications that an impasse may have on livelihoods,” said Alex Okyere, Managing Director of MultiChoice Ghana. “We are committed to working together with the Honourable Minister and the NCA to resolve this matter.”
MultiChoice’s comments come amid renewed scrutiny of its pricing regime, following Mr George’s public criticism that the firm had not adjusted prices despite recent macroeconomic improvements, including the appreciation of the Ghana cedi.
While acknowledging the currency’s recent gains, MultiChoice maintained that prevailing market dynamics—including a difficult competitive and macroeconomic environment—limited its ability to make reductions without adversely affecting service quality or customer options.
“We have never referred to the cedi appreciation as a ‘fluke’,” the statement clarified, “but it is not tenable to reduce the DStv subscription fees in the manner proposed.”
DStv reaffirmed its commitment to complying with local regulations and to engaging constructively with the Minister.
