By Francis Kobena Tandoh
The Minority Caucus in Parliament is calling for an end to the media war between the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, and MultiChoice Ghana over the pricing of DStv subscriptions, according to a statement on Sunday.
The statement, signed by Hon. Matthew Nyindam, Ranking Member on the Committee on Information and Communications, observed that they believe the concerns raised by Ghanaians on DStv pricing compared to other countries are valid and deserve immediate attention.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority observed it fully support the advocacy by patriotic citizens and agree that DStv subscription fees must be set fairly and that pricing must reflect the realities of the country’s economy.
The Minority Caucus, however, believes the media war is unnecessary, as the matter must be settled through diplomatic means.
“While we recognize the ministry’s commitment to protecting the Ghanaian consumer, we believe solutions must be grounded in law, fairness, and constructive engagement. The goal should be to secure a price reduction for Ghanaians while maintaining a stable investment environment. We are therefore calling for a seizure of the media war. These matters must be settled diplomatically,” read the statement.
The Ranking Member disclosed the Minority had formally written to the Chairman of the Information and Communications Committee requesting summoning the Minister, MultiChoice Ghana, before the Committee to delve into the matter.
MultiChoice Ghana accused the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation of bad faith while discussions were ongoing to arrive at an amicable resolution, according to a statement by the company on Sunday.
“MultiChoice notes with concern the recent statement made by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, regarding DStv pricing in Ghana. It is regrettable that the Honourable Minister has taken this stance, notwithstanding our ongoing endeavors to engage with the Honourable Minister candidly and in good faith on this important matter,” read the statement.
Sam George, in a swift manner, fired back at MultiChoice Ghana over the statement issued by the company on Sunday.
“For far too long, corporations have fleeced the Ghanaian people. There has been a reset, and it demands a new style of public service that is fiercely protective of the Ghanaian people. I remain empathic to the Ghanaian staff of DStv, but I believe that they should stand with the rest of us as we demand what is right for us,” he said.
In early July 2025, the minister called on MultiChoice Ghana to implement a 30% cut in DStv subscription prices, citing the Ghanaian cedi’s 30% appreciation over the five months prior and widespread public dissatisfaction.
Sam George described the current pricing as “plain stealing,” citing stark disparities: Ghanaians pay roughly US $83 for DSTV Premium, compared to the US $29 paid by Nigerians for the same package.
He emphasized that promotional offers were not sufficient—a direct and permanent price reduction was preferred. He set a deadline of July 21, 2025, for the company to respond formally.
On July 3–4, Sam George held an emergency meeting with leadership from MultiChoice Ghana and South Africa, led by Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng.
He insisted on affordable pricing, value for money, and fairness in service delivery, promising not to leave the meeting without securing a price reduction.
By August 1, 2025, MultiChoice had rejected the price cut demand in a nine-page response. In reaction, the minister directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend DStv’s broadcasting license effective August 7, 2025, unless the requested 30% reduction is implemented. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Share Us
