Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a final ultimatum to MultiChoice Ghana, threatening to shut down its DStv and GOtv services if the company does not agree to reduce subscription prices by the September 6, 2025, deadline.
In a series of viral posts on X late Friday night, September 5, the minister accused MultiChoice of disrespecting Ghanaians and backtracking on earlier commitments to negotiate a price cut.
“Let me be clear, I have no intention to continue tolerating the disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv,” George declared. “If MultiChoice is not interested, as they claim in their last statement, in discussing a reduction in prices as they had indicated to me, we would proceed to effect the shutdown.”
The minister’s warning follows a breakdown in talks after MultiChoice denied claims made earlier that day by George, who announced at a press conference that the company had agreed to lower prices and that a stakeholder committee was formed to determine the extent of the reduction. MultiChoice’s statement, issued hours later, clarified that no agreement on price cuts had been reached, though it committed to participating in the committee to find an “amicable solution.”
The dispute, ongoing for months, stems from public outcry over high DStv subscription costs, with the government demanding a 30% reduction in fees, citing the cedi’s appreciation and improved economic conditions. George noted that Ghanaians pay the equivalent of $83 for the DStv Premium package, compared to $29 in Nigeria for the same content. MultiChoice has faced a GH¢10,000 daily fine since August 15, 2025, for failing to submit pricing data under the Electronic Communications Act, with potential license suspension looming if no agreement is reached.
“DStv indicated their willingness to engage the Ministry on its concerns on pricing and prayed us to stay our enforcement action,” George stated. “If they have changed their position, then we simply would enforce the regulatory action.” The National Communications Authority (NCA), responsible for regulating broadcasting services, would execute any shutdown, impacting millions of DStv and GOtv subscribers.
George emphasized Ghana’s business-friendly stance but insisted that companies must respect local laws. “No company is above the law,” he asserted. “When MultiChoice is ready to discuss price reduction, they can come to the negotiation table. Until then, there is nothing for us to meet over.”
As the September 6 deadline passes, the nation awaits MultiChoice’s response to avoid a potential service disruption that could set a precedent for regulatory enforcement in Ghana’s telecommunications sector.
