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The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations in Ghana, Samuel Nartey George, has accused MultiChoice, the operators of DStv, of trying to turn his campaign for a price reduction into a diplomatic dispute between Ghana and South Africa.
During an interview on Jay FM, the minister insisted that his fight was not personal but a move to protect Ghanaian consumers from what he described as exploitative subscription charges. According to him, MultiChoice has been lobbying high-level government officials, including the South African foreign minister, to influence Ghana’s foreign minister to pressure him to back down.
“For me, I am focused on ensuring that we get the best value for the Ghanaian people. They should come to the table. Look, all the places they are walking around, getting the foreign minister of South Africa to call the Ghanaian foreign minister to call me—it’s not going to work,” Sam George said.
The minister denied suggestions that his stance is motivated by hostility towards South African businesses. He pointed to his previous engagements with MTN Ghana, another major South African-owned company operating in the country, as proof.
He explained that when he negotiated with MTN over data prices, the company cooperated with the government to find a solution that benefited both the business and its customers. MTN had requested more spectrum to improve its service delivery, and the minister facilitated cabinet approval for the allocation.
“You work with your regulator in the interest of your customers and your business. You don’t place the interest of your business as the only interest and ignore the interest of your consumers,” he added.
The standoff between the Ghanaian government and MultiChoice intensified after the National Communications Authority (NCA) issued a directive requiring DStv to implement a 30% price reduction by September 7, 2025. Failure to comply will lead to the suspension of DStv’s operating license in Ghana.
Sam George has repeatedly described DStv’s current pricing model as unfair, claiming it amounts to “plain stealing” from the Ghanaian public. He said the company’s refusal to reduce prices is unjustified, especially since the Ghanaian cedi has gained strength in recent months, which should have lowered operational costs.
The minister revealed that MultiChoice recently submitted a nine-page document explaining why it will not cut prices. However, he dismissed the justification as inadequate and against the public interest.
DStv, which operates in several African countries, has often faced regulatory scrutiny over pricing. In Ghana, the issue has sparked public debate, with many consumers supporting the government’s intervention. Others have expressed concerns about possible service disruptions if the suspension takes effect.
If the standoff is not resolved, DStv’s broadcast services in Ghana could be halted after September 7, leaving thousands of subscribers without access. The government has maintained that while it values foreign investment, consumer protection remains its top priority.
