It’s Untenable to Cut DSTV Prices by 30% – MultiChoice Hits Back at Communications Minister

MultiChoice Ghana has pushed back strongly against calls by the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, to reduce DSTV subscription prices by 30%.

The South African-owned company argues that the proposal is economically unsound and impractical.

In a media statement dated August 3, 2025, the pay-TV service provider described the Minister’s demand as “untenable,” despite acknowledging the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.

The company stressed that a currency rebound, which it claimed to have never described as a “fluke”, is not sufficient grounds to mandate a sweeping reduction in subscription fees.

The company noted that “It is regrettable that the Honourable Minister has taken this stance” despite the difficult macroeconomic environment in which they operate and the effort to address the situation.

“MultiChoice values its subscribers and endeavours at all times to keep DStv subscription fees as low as possible, despite the extremely challenging competitive and macro-economic environment in which we operate, without compromising on customer choice and the quality of the services we offer,” the statement added.

The company maintained that while it appreciates the government’s concern over pricing, its operations are still burdened.

“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,” the statement signed by the Managing Director, Alex Okyere emphasized.

MultiChoice emphasized that it has made a proposal to both the Minister and the National Communications Authority (NCA) for an alternative engagement path aimed at finding a resolution.

It further stressed that, having operated, in Ghana for over 30 years, the company expressed concern about the potential implications of a standoff, noting that it values its employees, dealers, installers, and agents and is mindful of the impact on livelihoods.

Already, some analysts and consumer protection advocates are calling on the government to pass competition laws and establishment and independent competition authority to address such concerns in the interest of both the companies and consumers.

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