A heated dispute has erupted between the Ghanaian government and South African media company MultiChoice over a price hike for DSTV services.
The government had issued an ultimatum to MultiChoice, ordering the company to reduce subscription prices by 30 per cent or face suspension of its broadcasting license.
The directive followed concerns that DSTV prices in Ghana were disproportionately high compared to other African markets, despite the strong performance of the local currency.
The government argued that MultiChoice’s 15 per cent price hike in April was unjustified, given the cedi’s significant strengthening this year.
MultiChoice initially seemed to agree to reduce prices after submitting comprehensive pricing data to the government.
However, the company later backtracked, stating that it had not agreed to any price reduction.
“We continue to engage with the Minister in a bid to find an amicable solution that is beneficial for all parties involved but does not jeopardize the viability of the DSTV service,” MultiChoice said in a statement.
Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Sam George, has vowed to enforce the regulatory action, citing the need to protect Ghanaians from what he saw as disrespect by DSTV.
The Minister posted on X that the country would not tolerate “disrespect” to Ghanians, adding that the country was going ahead to enforce its earlier decision against MultiChoice.
“Let me be clear, I have no intention to continue tolerating the disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv.
“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 tomorrow as indicated.
“DStv indicated their willingness to engage the Ministry on its concerns on pricing and prayed us to stay our enforcement action. If they have changed their position, then we simply would enforce the regulatory action.
“No company is above the law. 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.
“The @NCAGhana would carry out enforcement. Ghana is open for businesses that respect our laws and institutions,” the Minister wrote.
If MultiChoice fails to comply, the National Communications Authority (NCA) will enforce the suspension, which could disrupt services for millions of Ghanaian subscribers.
The dispute highlighted the challenges of regulating multinational companies in Africa and the need for balance between investor interests and consumer protection.
The outcome of the dispute remained uncertain, with both sides standing firm on their positions.
Industry watchers will be closely monitoring whether MultiChoice returns to the negotiation table or if Ghana follows through with the enforcement measures.
