Communications Minister Sam George has responded to calls from the NPP Minority on the Communications Committee of Parliament for an update on ongoing regulatory action against DSTV, assuring the Committee that a full briefing will be provided after August 7.
In a statement released Monday, the Minister affirmed his respect for parliamentary oversight and clarified the Ministry’s actions so far regarding what he described as an “unfair and recalcitrant monopoly.”
“For the record, I met with the Ghanaian management of DSTV on June 27 and later engaged their headquarters management on July 4, even though it was a holiday. I demanded a 30% reduction in subscription fees and raised concerns about piracy on their platform affecting local content creators,” Sam George stated.
The Minister revealed that DSTV responded on July 21 with a detailed nine-page letter, but described the company’s attitude as “tone deaf” to consumer frustration. He emphasized that the government’s policy directive was a last resort, not a first step.
“On August 7, the Regulator will act in accordance with DSTV’s license terms and the Electronic Communications Act (Act 775),” he said. “We will do so lawfully and in the best interest of the Ghanaian people. The RESET agenda demands that we bring sanity to the broadcasting market.”
He concluded by reaffirming his accountability: “As Minister and MP, I serve the people. This action is for them.”
