Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, has revealed MultiChoice-owned DSTV broadcast license will be suspended if they fail to reduce prices downward.
According to Sam George, his directive follows DSTV’s refusal to reduce its prices after the recent cedi appreciation.
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.
Speaking during the Government ministerial briefing on Friday, August 1, Sam George stated, “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,” Mr George stated.
Sam George had earlier pledged to Ghanaians, vowing to secure a reduction in DSTV subscription prices.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, July 3, during a briefing on developments within the communications sector, Sam George stated, “The meeting addressed public concerns about affordability, value for money and fairness and service delivery. I made it clear the ministry’s expectation.
The pricing structures must be responsive to Ghana’s economic context. I have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow with the Ghana team and their South African counterpart to agree on a way forward on the issues raised.
“The outcomes will be shared with the public in due course. This engagement reflects our commitment to regulatory accountability and our resolve to ensure that digital services in Ghana remain fair, accessible and responsive to the needs of citizens.
I make you one promise, I won’t leave tomorrow’s meeting without securing a drop in the pricing of DSTV. That is a solemn promise I make to you,” he stated.
However, following the meeting, DSTV has failed to reduce its prices.
Sam George revealed, DSTV, in its response, emphasised that the cedi had depreciated by over 200% over the last eight years, and the recent gains were not justifiable for a price reduction.
He added, “DSTV claims the Ghanaian Cedi has depreciated by over 200% in the last eight years, and therefore, they cannot reduce their prices. My fidelity lies with the Ghanaian people. They have been cheated for years, and it is time we put an end to that.
We will not allow foreign service providers to take advantage of our citizens under the guise of economic pressures”, he boldly asserted.