Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations has said that MultiChoice Ghana has finally bowed to regulatory pressure and agreed to reduce DSTV subscription prices.
He said the breakthrough follows weeks of tension between the government and the pay-TV operator, which had resisted demands for price cuts until it submitted comprehensive pricing data to the Ministry of Communications.
The information—covering a breakdown of bouquet prices, tax components, and comparisons with at least six African countries—was deemed critical to supporting evidence-based discussions on subscription adjustments.
With this submission, the government has established a special pricing review committee to determine the new fee structure. The committee, chaired by the minister himself, includes representatives from the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, the National Communications Authority (NCA), MultiChoice Ghana, and MultiChoice Africa.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, September 5, Sam George disclosed that a September 21 deadline had been set for the committee to conclude its work and announce the new pricing framework.
“We’ve taken the decision to immediately establish a stakeholder committee. MultiChoice has requested a 30-day window for the committee to arrive at what percentage of reduction will be achieved. So let’s be clear, they have finally accepted that there will be a reduction. Now they want us to discuss the level of reduction. I believe, as minister, that we do not need 30 days. Fourteen days is enough, inclusive of weekends,” he stated.
The development comes after the government issued a stern ultimatum, demanding that MultiChoice cut prices by 30% by September 6 or risk suspension of its broadcasting licence.
The directive also imposed daily fines of GHC10,000 for non-compliance, which, according to the minister, have already accumulated to around GHC150,000 over 24 days.
Mr George stressed that these fines would not be waived and would be collected in full, underscoring the government’s determination to enforce compliance and protect consumers.
The pricing review committee is expected to finalise the percentage of reduction within the stipulated timeframe, paving the way for implementation.
If successful, the move could see significant relief for Ghanaian households, many of whom have long complained about the high cost of pay-TV subscriptions compared to neighbouring countries.
“This marks a turning point,” Mr George said, “because for the first time, MultiChoice has acknowledged that prices must come down. Our duty is to make sure this reduction is fair, transparent, and immediate.”
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Minister demands 30% DSTV price cut, sets July 21 deadline for Multichoice response
Sam George gives DSTV August 7 deadline to slash prices or face suspension
