Sam Nartey George, the Communications Minister and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, has been harshly critical of DStv, claiming that the pay-TV service provider has disrespected Ghanaians by reversing course on talks about lowering subscription fees.
The lawmaker issued a warning on social media that MultiChoice, the company that runs DStv, would be shut down by the government if it doesn’t negotiate prices.
Sam George claims that DStv had previously expressed a desire to meet with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization to discuss public complaints about the exorbitant cost of subscriptions.
According to him, the business asked that enforcement action be put on hold so that discussions could take place.
The MP maintains that DStv’s most recent stance, however, runs counter to such guarantees.
“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,” he warned.
He emphasized that no business operating in Ghana is above the law and that there is nothing more to talk about until MultiChoice agrees to negotiate price reductions.
He stated that regulatory action would be enforced by the National Communications Authority (NCA).
Ghana is still open to companies, Sam George reaffirmed, but only if they respect the laws and institutions of the nation.
The Ministry and the pay-TV provider have been at odds for weeks after regulators demanded a 30% reduction in subscription costs.
Prior to this, the ministry ordered MultiChoice to pay a statutory punishment of GH¢10,000 per day for neglecting to submit the Electronic Communications Act’s (ECA) mandatory pricing data.
Additionally, it cautioned that if rates are not lowered by September 6, 2025, the business could have its operating license revoked.
The minister acknowledged that the committee was established at MultiChoice’s request in order to come to a consensus on the proper amount of decrease during a news conference held in Accra on Friday, September 5, 2025.
“We have taken an immediate step to put together a committee comprising representatives from the ministry, the regulator, NCA, Multichoice Ghana, and Multichoice Africa. I will personally chair the committee,” he said.
“Let us be clear—they have finally accepted that there will be a reduction, and they want us to discuss the level of reduction. I believe that as ministers, we do not need 30 days.
He clarified that the government insisted on a shorter timeline even though MultiChoice had asked for 30 days to assess the extent of reduction.
In contrast to the MP’s claims, DStv has openly denied ever coming to an agreement to lower subscription costs.
The business emphasized in a statement dated September 5, 2025, that although it is still dedicated to continuing talks with the government, no deal on a decrease in subscription costs has been reached.
“We continue to engage with the Minister in a bid to find an amicable solution that is beneficial for all parties involved but does not jeopardise the viability of the DStv service,” the statement said.
Additionally, MultiChoice promised the public that it would actively engage in the Working Committee that was formed to deal with the issue.
Sam George, however, stated that he has no intention of continuing to put up with DStv’s disdain for Ghanaians.
He said that the government will go ahead and implement the shutdown as stated if MultiChoice is not interested in talking about a price drop, as they said in their most recent statement.
MultiChoice Statement Below:
Source: newsthemegh.com