Minister for Communication warns DSTV
Accra, Ghana – The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a decisive warning to MultiChoice-owned broadcaster DSTV, threatening to suspend its licence if it fails to reduce subscription fees by Wednesday, August 7.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series on Friday, August 1, the Minister disclosed that a formal directive has been sent to the National Communications Authority (NCA), instructing the regulatory body to take immediate steps toward suspending DSTV’s operations should the company ignore the pricing mandate.
“I have directed the NCA to act swiftly. If by the 7th of August DSTV has not complied, their broadcasting licence will be suspended,” the Minister warned.
DSTV Cites Economic Justifications, But Government Unmoved
Minister George’s announcement follows a written response from DSTV, in which the broadcaster defended its pricing structure by referencing macroeconomic volatility, particularly the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi over the past decade.
“DSTV claims the Ghanaian cedi has depreciated by over 200% in the last eight years, and therefore, they cannot reduce their prices,” the Minister said, quoting the company’s statement.
However, Mr. George rejected the rationale, describing it as both inadequate and exploitative, especially in the context of the cedi’s recent gains and ongoing consumer complaints.
“My fidelity lies with the Ghanaian people. They have been cheated for years, and it is time we put an end to that,” he declared.
“We will not allow foreign service providers to take advantage of our citizens under the guise of economic pressures.”
Mounting Pressure on Foreign Digital Operators
The standoff marks a significant turning point in the government’s approach to consumer protection in the digital economy, particularly in sectors dominated by foreign-owned service providers.
DSTV, long criticized for its rigid pricing and lack of flexibility, is facing growing backlash from both regulators and the public, who argue that the company has failed to reflect favourable exchange rate trends in its subscription packages.
By setting a public deadline and involving the NCA, the Ministry is signaling a zero-tolerance stance toward what it describes as unfair market practices.
What’s Next?
As the August 7 deadline approaches, all eyes are on DSTV and how it will respond to the government’s ultimatum. A failure to adjust its pricing could lead to the suspension of its broadcasting licence, potentially disrupting access to television content for millions of Ghanaians.
The National Communications Authority has yet to issue a formal statement, but is expected to begin enforcement measures if no compliance is observed.
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Source: My News Ghana
