MultiChoice: Regulators issue ultimatum to suspend DStv licence over high tariffs

*Samuel Nartey George, Ghanaian Communications Minister, directs the National Communications Authority to begin suspension proceedings against MultiChoice Ghana, the local operator of DStv by Thursday, August 7, warning consumers ‘have been cheated for years, and it is time we put an end to that’

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to recent increments in service tariffs, the Ghanaian Government has issued MultiChoice Ghana’s satellite broadcaster DStv till Thursday, August 7, 2025, to reduce its subscription charges, or face a withdrawal of the company’s broadcast licence in the neighbouring West African country.

ConsumerConnect reports MultiChoice Ghana, April 2025, had increased its rates by 15 percent, a move the government described as unjustified, especially given the Cedi’s significant appreciation in recent times.

Speaking on the government’s measure against the pay-TV company, Samuel Nartey George, Ghanaian Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, said he had instructed the National Communications Authority (NCA), the industry regulator, to begin suspension proceedings against MultiChoice Ghana, the local operator of DStv, if the pay-TV firm fails to comply with regulatory expectations for a price reduction by Thursday this week.

Earlier, the Minister’s directive had aimed to align Ghana’s pricing with that of peer markets, including Nigeria, and adjust for the recent appreciation in the value of the Ghanaian Cedi, according to report.

George as well accused the company of overpricing despite favourable exchange conditions in Ghana.

“The same premium DStv bouquet costs $83 in Ghana, compared to just $29 in Nigeria,” said he.

George reportedly stated: “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 lastest dispute with the authorities began after DStv rejected a government proposal for a 30 percent reduction in subscription fees, report said.

The Minister also accused MultiChoice Ghana of using the Cedi’s depreciation, over 200 percent in eight years, as an excuse for high prices.

He equally described the company’s justification of exorbitant tariffs as inadequate amid Ghana’s economic challenges.

Consumer protection is a priority in Ghana, says Minister

Restating the government’s move to suspend MultiChoice Ghana’s operating licence, if the company fails to act by Thursday, George asserted: “My fidelity lies with the Ghanaian people.

“They have been cheated for years, and it is time we put an end to that.”

Report indicates MultiChoice Ghana, a subsidiary of South Africa’s MultiChoice Group, in a statement Sunday, August 3 had dismissed the Ghanaian Government’s demand as “not tenable”.

MultiChoice had cited economic conditions and the need to maintain “service quality” for raising prices of its products and services in the country.

Alex Okyere, Managing Director of MultiChoice Ghana, in the statement, also warned that forced price cuts could threaten jobs and reduce customer choice in the digital pay-TV ecosystem.

The company, Okyere stated, had submitted alternative proposals to the Minister and the NCA.

Communications Minister George, responding on X, however, rejected those proposals and questioned why MultiChoice had complied with a court order to suspend price hikes in Nigeria, but not in Ghana.

DStv has offered to maintain current pricing while halting revenue remittances to South African Headquarters, an offer George described as illogical.