The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has begun applying a statutory fine of GHC10,000 per day effective August 15, 2025 to MultiChoice Ghana (DSTV) for failing to submit critical pricing information requested under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA).
The Sector Minister, Samuel Nartey George (MP), communicated the decision to the company when he had a meeting with the DSTV team at the Ministry.
He mentioned that, the data — including a breakdown of bouquet prices, tax components, and comparisons with at least six other African countries — was requested to support a meaningful engagement on reducing subscription fees for Ghanaian customers.
According to the Minister, DSTV was granted an extension until Monday, August 11, 2025, to submit the information but they failed to meet the deadline.
“The regulator informed me that you requested an extension until Monday. Under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA), every day that an operator fails to provide requested information attracts a GHC10,000 penalty. I agreed to wait until Monday rather than starting charges immediately, as the difference of a few days was not critical at that stage,” he explained.
The Ministry had earlier indicated that if no price reduction was achieved by September 6, 2025, DSTV’s operating license could be suspended.
This daily fine followed the company’s refusal to commit to lowering subscription fees, despite the Ministry’s proposals.
Sam George said, in spite of the extension of the deadline, the company has still not provided the information they and that has made it impossible for any meaningful engagement.
“As of today’s meeting, the regulator has confirmed that the requested information has still not been provided. This makes it impossible to have a meaningful engagement, as the data we need to justify or challenge your pricing has not been submitted. From today, therefore, the Ministry will begin applying the statutory fine of GHC10,000 per day until the full information is received,” the Minister stated.
Sam George stressed that the request for information is separate from ongoing stakeholder engagement, saying that “The law is clear, and we will enforce it. If necessary, we can freeze accounts to protect consumer interests.”
The Minister also noted that once the data is submitted, an objective review will be conducted.
He however extended an olive branch to DSTV saying “If the evidence shows taxes are the sole reason for high prices, I will advocate for a tax review. If not, we expect DSTV to comply with our directive to make subscriptions more affordable.”
