Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has issued a 30-day ultimatum to satellite TV provider MultiChoice, operator of DStv, to reduce subscription fees by 30% or face suspension of its broadcasting licence.
The deadline, set for September 6, follows what Mr George described as a breakdown in negotiations marked by disrespect, systemic operational failures, and a history of “fleecing” Ghanaian consumers.
The Price Cut Demand
The minister explained that the 30% demand is non-negotiable. “In April this year, MultiChoice increased their prices by 15%… at that time, the cedi had appreciated by about 10% against the dollar,” he argued. “So there was absolutely no justification for that 15%. I’m reversing that 15% and then demanding a further 15% for the Ghanaian people.”
Disrespect and Bad Faith Allegations
Mr George accused the company of sidestepping his ministry, revealing that MultiChoice sent a nine-page letter filled with economic forecasts instead of a counter-offer. “Since when did MultiChoice become an economic forecasting institution?” he remarked, noting he responded with economic projections from the IMF, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s.
Tensions escalated when MultiChoice allegedly wrote to the National Communications Authority (NCA) asking it to disregard the minister’s directive, without copying him in the correspondence. “You write to my regulator; you don’t copy me,” he fumed.
Operational Failures and Revenue Losses
The minister also cited cross-border piracy as a major issue, claiming that 40–45% of DStv devices in Ghana are registered in Nigeria. This, he said, allows the company to avoid paying taxes in Ghana and misrepresents local subscriber numbers to justify high prices.
He pointed to examples in Malawi, Liberia, and Nigeria where regulators forced price reductions or service overhauls, saying Ghana is ready to take equally firm action.
Industry Reaction and Canal+ Takeover
The standoff comes as MultiChoice nears a complete takeover by French media giant Canal+, following approval from South Africa’s Competition Tribunal in July. MultiChoice Ghana MD Alex Okyere has called the minister’s demands “not tenable” given the current economic climate, while the group’s Johannesburg office stressed that pricing reflects content acquisition costs, currency volatility, and operational expenses.
Canal+ has already reached out to Mr George, who described their approach as “light years more positive” than that of MultiChoice. From Paris, Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada’s office issued a statement expressing readiness to work with Ghana’s regulatory bodies after the acquisition.
What’s at Stake
With just weeks to go before the September 6 deadline, the future of DStv in Ghana remains uncertain. Viewers are watching to see whether prices will drop, or whether popular content such as the English Premier League will go dark, at least temporarily, as a new French era dawns for the African pay-TV giant.
