Ghana, Multichoice Clash Over DSTV Price Hikes

Tension is brewing between the government of Ghana and South African pay-TV giant, MultiChoice, over the rising cost of DStv subscription in the country.

In early August 2025, authorities in Accra gave MultiChoice Ghana a strict deadline: slash DStv subscription fees by 30% before August 7 or risk having its broadcasting license suspended. The order also carried a fine of GHC 10,000 for every day of non-compliance.

Following the ultimatum, Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Sam George, announced that MultiChoice had agreed to lower prices after submitting long-demanded pricing data. He explained that the figures provided included a breakdown of bouquet charges, tax components, and comparisons with at least six other African countries. The move was widely hailed as a victory for consumers.

But the relief was short-lived. MultiChoice quickly issued a statement—shared by the Minister himself—denying any agreement to cut prices.

“We have noted the statement made by the Minister of Communications Technology and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Narhey George.

“We continue to engage with the Minister in a bid to find amicable solution that is beneficial for all parties involved but does not jeopardise the viability of the DSTV service.

“We will fully participate in the established working committee. However, we wish to clarify that MultiChoice Group has not agreed to a price reduction,” the company’s management declared.

The statement sparked outrage from the Ghanaian government. Taking to X, Minister George made it clear that the country would not tolerate what he described as disrespect.

“Let me be clear, I have no intention to continue tolerating the disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv. If MultiChoice is not interested, as they claim in their last statement, in discussing a reduction in prices as they had indicated to me, we would proceed to effect the shutdown tomorrow as indicated.

“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.

“No company is above the law. When MultiChoice is ready to discuss price reduction, they can come to the negotiation table. Until then, there is nothing for us to meet over. The @NCAGhana would carry out enforcement. Ghana is open for businesses that respect our laws and institutions,” the Minister warned.

The dispute comes against the backdrop of public anger over soaring subscription fees. The government insists that the 15% hike imposed in April was unjustified, especially since the Ghanaian cedi has gained strength this year. Officials argue that Ghanaians pay far more for DStv services than customers in several other African markets.

With both sides standing firm, the standoff now raises the possibility of DStv being pulled off Ghanaian airwaves unless a last-minute compromise is reached.