Ghana’s government has issued a stern ultimatum to MultiChoice Ghana, directing the pay-TV operator to slash its DStv subscription prices by 30% before August 7, or risk having its broadcasting license suspended.
According to a report by Daily Graphic, the directive stems from concerns that MultiChoice’s pricing in Ghana is disproportionately high compared to other African markets, despite recent gains in the local currency.
Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said the company’s 15% price hike in April was unjustified, particularly as the Ghanaian cedi has significantly strengthened this year.
During negotiations, MultiChoice reportedly offered to keep current subscription rates steady and temporarily halt the repatriation of earnings to its headquarters.
However, the minister rejected that option, insisting on a price adjustment to reflect both currency appreciation and fair regional pricing.
“It is not tenable to reduce the DStv subscription fees in the manner proposed by the minister,” the company said.
It added that it works to keep prices “as low as possible” without sacrificing content quality or service delivery, despite operating in what it described as a challenging macroeconomic environment.
The Nigerian unit of the Multichoice Group is also facing a legal battle in the country over its latest price hike implemented in March this year, as the country’s consumer watchdog, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), is challenging the action.
MultiChoice had informed its customers about a planned price increase across its DStv and GOtv packages, set to take effect on March 1, 2025.
However, despite this directive, MultiChoice went ahead with the price increase on March 1, 2025, in direct violation of the Commission’s instructions.
Following this, the FCCPC instituted legal proceedings against MultiChoice and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, over alleged violations of regulatory directives and obstruction of an ongoing inquiry.
The case is now at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.