MultiChoice operators of DSTV have replied to Communications Minister Sam George’s directive to reduce their subscription fees.
According to DSTV, it is not tenable to reduce prices in the manner proposed by the Minister.
MultiChoice DSTV also stressed that they never referred to Ghana’s recent cedi appreciation as a “fluke” as suggested by Sam George.
On Sunday, August 3, in a statement issued by Alex Okyere, Managing Director of DSTV Ghana, read, “MultiChoice notes with concern the recent statements made by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr Samuel Nartey George, regarding DStv pricing in Ghana.
It is regrettable that the Honourable Minister has taken this stance, notwithstanding our ongoing endeavours to engage with the Honourable Minister candidly and in good faith on this important matter. In an effort to arrive at a resolution, we have made a proposal to the Honourable Minister and the National Communications Authority (“the NCA”) on an alternative further engagement avenue”.
MultiChoice DSTV further added that after operating in Ghana for over 30 years, they are mindful of the dire implications that an impasse may have.
“Having operated in Ghana for 30 plus years, we value our employees, contract staff, dealers, installers, agents, and retailers in Ghana. We are mindful of the dire implications that an impasse may have on you and your livelihoods, and we assure you that we are committed to working together with the Honourable Minister and the NCA to resolve this matter”.
The statement added, “While we appreciate the recent appreciation of the Cedi (which we have never referred to as a “fluke”, it is not tenable to reduce the DStv subscription fees in the manner proposed by the Minister”.
MultiChoice DSTV statement comes on the heels of Sam Nartey George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, telling DSTV that the mistreatment of the Ghanaian consumer is enough.
Sam George revealed MultiChoice broadcast license will be suspended by the National Communications Authority (NCA) if they fail to reduce subscription prices by August 7, 2025.
The minister comparing prices of DSTV subscription packages between Ghana and other African countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and others noted that Ghana’s Premium bouquet sells for the equivalent of US$83 while as same bouquet in Nigeria sells for US$29.
According to Sam George, DSTV price disparity cannot be explained by anyone.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Friday, August 1, Sam George detailed, “The Premium bouquet sells for the equivalent of US$83 here in Ghana, whilst the same bouquet in Nigeria sells for US$29. How can anyone explain this price disparity? Enough of the mistreatment of the Ghanaian consumer.
For the premium package, Ghanaians are asked to pay $82.40 cents, Nigerians $29, Liberians $61, Angolans $33, Botswana [Botswana] $61, Eswatini [Swat] $52, South Africans $51. Clearly, Ghana is way too high; there’s no justification, it’s the same content, the same old movies that are being shown”.
“For the Compact price, Ghanians are paying $54.3, Nigerians $19.6, Liberians $36, Angolans $27, Botswana [Batswana] $43, Eswatini [Swat] $35, South Africans $34. Again, you see the clear disparity.
“For Family [price] Ghanaians are paying $18.10 cent, Nigerians $4.80 cent, Liberians $13, Angolans $11, Botswana [Batswana] $21, Eswatini [Swat] $19, and South Africans $18. For Access, Ghanaians are paying $9.45 cent, Nigerians $2.70, Liberians $8, Angolans $6, Botswana $10, Eswatini [Swat] $9 and South Africans $7.60.”
Sam George added, “In my capacity as Minister, my fidelity is to the Ghanaian people. I have written to the NCA, instructing them to suspend DSTV’s broadcasting licence effective August 7 if they do not comply”.
See the statemebt below:
