Sam George Slams DStv Ghana for Ignoring Ghanaians, Rejects Proposal to Retain High Prices
Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, intensified his criticism of MultiChoice Ghana, the operator of DStv, accusing the company of disregarding Ghanaian consumers by maintaining high subscription fees despite improved economic conditions.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, George highlighted that while MultiChoice reversed price hikes in Nigeria following legal and legislative pressure from the Nigerian House of Representatives, it has ignored similar demands in Ghana.
He noted that in April 2025, DStv implemented a 15% subscription fee increase despite a 10% appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi, a 5% drop in inflation, and declining fuel prices, calling the pricing structure “plain stealing” and exploitative.
George revealed that during negotiations, MultiChoice proposed maintaining current high subscription fees but suspending revenue repatriation to its international headquarters, an offer he rejected as illogical and irrelevant to Ghanaians’ demand for affordability.
He demanded a 30% price reduction, aligning with the cedi’s appreciation, and issued an ultimatum for DStv to comply by August 7, 2025, or face suspension of its broadcasting license by the National Communications Authority (NCA).
He cited stark pricing disparities, with Ghanaians paying $83 for the DStv Premium bouquet compared to $29 in Nigeria, $61 in Liberia, $33 in Angola, $52 in Eswatini, and $51 in South Africa for the same content.
In response, MultiChoice Ghana, in a statement on August 3, 2025, signed by Managing Director Alex Okyere, described the proposed 30% fee cut as “not tenable,” citing dollar-denominated costs like content acquisition and satellite infrastructure.
The company denied calling the cedi’s appreciation a “fluke,” as George alleged, and emphasized its 30-year commitment to Ghana, expressing concern for its local workforce. MultiChoice proposed further dialogue but maintained that significant reductions would compromise service quality.
George, unmoved, reiterated his openness to discussions but only if centered on price reductions, urging DStv’s Ghanaian staff to support the public’s call for fairness. He emphasized a “RESET” in public service, prioritizing consumer protection against corporate exploitation.
The standoff, following a July 4, 2025, meeting with MultiChoice’s delegation led by Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng, has sparked public support, with X posts praising George’s stance while noting DStv’s market dominance due to limited competition.
The August 7 deadline looms as a critical test for regulatory action and consumer advocacy in Ghana’s pay-TV sector.
