By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation Samuel Nartey George has threatened to shut down the operations of satellite television giant MultiChoice Ghana by September 6 if the company fails to engage in negotiations over a price reduction, according to a tweet late Friday.
The minister accused the company of disrespecting Ghanaians and reneging on its initial promise to discuss the matter.
“I have no intention to continue tolerating the disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv. If MultiChoice was no longer interested in a price discussion, as suggested by their latest statement, the government would proceed with its planned enforcement action,” said Sam George.
“If they have changed their position, then we simply would enforce the regulatory action. No company is above the law,” the minister tweeted.
According to the minister, MultiChoice had previously shown a willingness to engage, which led the government to halt its initial regulatory moves.
He explained, “DStv indicated their willingness to engage the Ministry on its concerns on pricing and prayed us to stay our enforcement action. If they have changed their position, then we simply would enforce the regulatory action.”
The dispute underscores a long-standing public frustration with MultiChoice’s pricing structure, which has been criticized for being high compared to other markets.
The minister ended his post with a final, firm statement: “Ghana is open for businesses that respect our laws and institutions. Until then, there is nothing for us to meet over. The @NCAGhana would carry out enforcement.”
The country now awaits to see if a last-minute negotiation can avert a complete shutdown of a major entertainment provider. End item
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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