The Ghanaian government has issued a firm ultimatum to satellite television provider DStv, demanding a reduction in subscription prices by Thursday, August 7, or risk having its broadcasting licence suspended.

 

Minister for Communications, Samuel George, announced that he had instructed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to begin suspension proceedings against MultiChoice Ghana, the local operator of DStv, should the company fail to comply with regulatory expectations.

 

“I have directed the NCA to act swiftly. If by the 7th of August DStv has not complied, their broadcasting licence will be suspended,” George warned.

 

He accused the company of unjustifiably inflating subscription costs, pointing to a 15% price hike in April despite the Ghanaian cedi’s recent appreciation. The minister condemned MultiChoice’s refusal to implement a proposed 30% fee reduction, calling the company’s justification — citing a 200% cedi depreciation over eight years — inadequate given current economic realities.

 

“My fidelity lies with the Ghanaian people. They have been cheated for years, and it is time we put an end to that,” George declared.

 

In response, MultiChoice Ghana rejected the government’s directive in a statement issued Sunday. Managing Director Alex Okyere said the request was “not tenable” under present economic conditions and warned that forced reductions could endanger jobs and limit consumer choice.

 

The company claimed it had submitted alternative proposals to the government and the NCA. However, the minister dismissed these suggestions on X (formerly Twitter), questioning why the company complied with a Nigerian court order to freeze prices but refused similar action in Ghana.

 

DStv had also proposed halting revenue remittances to its parent company as a compromise — an option George labeled “illogical.”