The Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for Africa at MultiChoice/Canal+, Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng, has said that the recent heavy cuts in DStv subscription prices is evidence of what constructive dialogue between government and the private sector can achieve.
Speaking during a media engagement organised by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Dr. Modimoeng said the results of the discussions between the company and the government of Ghana, over the past several months, in a demonstration of the importance of collaboration between government and private sector institutions in addressing issues affecting consumers.
He expressed appreciation to the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, for his leadership and engagement throughout the process.
According to Dr. Modimoeng, the company recognised the need to respond to government concerns and policy priorities, particularly where they relate to consumer welfare and access to services.
“It is indeed a great day, a day that symbolises the power of collaboration,” he said.
He stressed that constructive engagement between government and businesses remained essential to achieving outcomes that serve the public interest.
“On behalf of the group, we are really proud, Honourable Minister, that indeed it shows that there is nothing that cannot be attained through dialogue,” he stated.
His remarks were echoed by the Managing Director of MultiChoice-Canal+ Ghana, Alex Okyere, who also acknowledged the minister’s role in ensuring that the concerns of Ghanaian consumers remained central to the negotiations.
Mr Okyere said during the engagements, the minister challenged the company to reconsider the value subscribers receive for the money they spend on television services.
He expressed gratitude to the ministry’s officials, the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the company’s group leadership for their contributions to the discussions that culminated in the new subscription packages and price cuts.
The engagements have resulted in a revised DStv subscription structure featuring four packages: Starter at GH¢50 per month, Select at GH¢100, Sports at GH¢250 and Ultimate at GH¢570.
The new packages, scheduled to take effect on November 5, replace six existing subscription options and are intended to provide customers with more affordable access to television content.
The Sports package will offer access to the company’s football content, including the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League and La Liga, while the Ultimate package will include a broader selection of premium sports and entertainment programming.
The revised prices form part of broader discussions between the government and Canal+ over subscription affordability and efforts to address television piracy.
The government has maintained that making legitimate television services more affordable is an important part of its strategy to discourage the use of illegal streaming devices and services.
The engagement highlights the role of cooperation between government, regulators and private sector operators in addressing consumer concerns and improving access to television services in Ghana.
