MultiChoice Ghana has issued a statement expressing concern over recent comments by Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, regarding the company’s pricing model for DStv services in the country.
In a release, MultiChoice described the Minister’s public stance as “regrettable,” noting that it comes despite what it called ongoing efforts to engage with both the Minister and the National Communications Authority (NCA) “candidly and in good faith.”
According to MultiChoice, it has tabled an alternative proposal for further dialogue, though details of this proposal have now been made public by the Minister himself, who flatly rejected it.
In a sharp rebuttal, Minister Sam George said the proposal “lacks any logic” and fails to address the core issue of affordability for Ghanaians. He cited recent economic improvements—such as a 10% appreciation of the cedi, a 5% drop in inflation, and declining fuel prices—as justification for why DStv’s 15% price hike in April was unjustified.
“The essence of my action is to see Ghanaians pay a fair price for the services offered. How does this proposal solve the real issue?” the Minister asked.
He also accused MultiChoice of treating Ghanaian consumers with less respect compared to other markets, noting that the company reversed a similar price increase in Nigeria following legal and parliamentary pressure.
“Corporations have fleeced the Ghanaian people for far too long. There has been a RESET,” Sam George declared. “I remain open to ‘constructive engagements’ that are centred on PRICE REDUCTION. Anything else is tangential and of no consequence.”
MultiChoice emphasized that it has operated in Ghana for over 30 years, employing hundreds across its value chain, and reaffirmed its commitment to keeping prices as low as possible within a difficult macroeconomic environment.
The standoff now places significant pressure on both the regulator and MultiChoice, as the August 7 deadline looms. The Minister has already directed the NCA to suspend MultiChoice’s broadcasting license if a pricing compromise is not reached.
