By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has fired back at MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, over a statement issued by the company on Sunday.
In a swift response to MultiChoice Ghana, he accused the company of not taking Ghanaians seriously, hence their continuous fleecing of the people regarding DStv pricing.
Sam George, also the Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram Constituency, slammed the company for reducing DStv prices in Nigeria but cannot do the same in Ghana.
“I have read the release by DStv Ghana and taken full consideration that they vindicate my earlier position that they do not take the Ghanaian people seriously enough,” said the minister in response.
According to the minister, businesses operating here have fleeced the Ghanaian people for far too long and must end under the new dispensation.
“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,” added Sam George.
He, however, emphasized he remains open to constructive engagements that are centred on price reduction as “anything else is tangential and of no consequence.”
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.
According to the statement signed by Managing Director, Alex Okyere, it is worried by the comments made by the minister regarding the matter.
“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.
MultiChoice Ghana observed that to arrive at a resolution, the company has proposed to the Communications Minister and the National Communications Authority (NCA) an alternative further engagement avenue.
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 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 licence effective August 7, 2025, unless the requested 30% reduction is implemented. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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