Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations,Samuel George, has given MultiChoice Ghana—providers of DStv—a firm deadline of September 6 to lower its subscription rates or risk losing its operational license.
Addressing attendees at the Digital Africa Summit in Accra, Mr. George underscored the government’s dedication to securing equitable pricing for Ghanaian consumers, citing recent positive shifts in the nation’s economic landscape.
“They have up to the 6th of September. If by that time there is no resolution, we will shut down the operations of MultiChoice. No company, no corporate entity is more powerful than the collective interest of the Ghanaian people,” he declared.
The minister noted that a meeting with MultiChoice is scheduled for tomorrow to conclude negotiations on the issue.
Mr. George revealed that the company has not adhered to directives from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to provide essential pricing information, as mandated by the Electronic Communications Act (ECA).
“Fifteen or sixteen days ago, I met with MultiChoice and imposed a GH¢10,000 daily fine on them. So now, they owe us between GH¢150,000 and GH¢170,000. The NCA will collect the money,” he stated.
He further mentioned that efforts to persuade MultiChoice to implement a 30 percent cut in subscription costs have not yielded results.
“I have engaged them and asked them to do a 30 percent reduction in line with improved economic conditions in the country, but they have failed to comply,” Mr. George added.
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