South Africa has stepped in to help resolve the escalating standoff between Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and MultiChoice Ghana over DStv subscription fees.
Deputy Ranking Member on the Communications Committee and MP for Abirem, Charles Owiredu, disclosed that South Africa’s Foreign Minister is expected in Accra this week to hold talks with Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, in a bid to ease tensions.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Owiredu described the situation as avoidable, cautioning against ultimatums and public confrontations.
“To me, it shouldn’t have gotten to this level. This is an issue that can be solved amicably, not through threats and ultimatums,” he said.
He acknowledged that MultiChoice may cite exchange rate pressures as justification for higher subscription fees but stressed that such issues should be addressed discreetly.
“The conversation could be shaped in such a way that DStv will not lose and subscribers will also not lose. The minister’s approach of going on social media and issuing ultimatums is not the way to go. You need diplomatic channels to resolve this,” he added.
Mr. Owiredu emphasized the importance of safeguarding Ghana–South Africa relations, warning that the dispute should not be allowed to strain bilateral ties.
Meanwhile, Parliament’s Communications Committee, which had postponed a scheduled meeting due to the recent helicopter crash, will reconvene on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, to engage the National Communications Authority (NCA) and address the DStv matter.
The NCA has confirmed that MultiChoice Ghana has now agreed to participate fully in the Stakeholder Committee set up by Communications Minister Sam George to review subscription prices. The committee’s first sitting is slated for Monday, September 8, 2025, with MultiChoice’s pricing structure expected to come under scrutiny.
Source – My News Ghana
