The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has confirmed that MultiChoice Ghana has agreed to reduce its subscription fees following weeks of regulatory pressure.
The breakthrough came after the pay-TV operator finally submitted detailed pricing data requested by the government. This included a breakdown of bouquet prices, applicable taxes, and pricing comparisons across at least six African countries. According to the Minister, this information was crucial to ensure fair, evidence-based discussions on subscription fees.
With the data now in hand, government has established a pricing review committee to determine the new subscription structure. The committee will comprise representatives from the Ministry, the National Communications Authority (NCA), MultiChoice Ghana, and MultiChoice Africa, with Sam George himself as chair.
“MultiChoice has requested a 30-day window for the committee to decide the level of reduction. But let’s be clear they have finally accepted that there will be a reduction. The only discussion now is the percentage. As Minister, I believe we don’t need 30 days. Fourteen days, including weekends, is enough,” Sam George told journalists at a press conference on Friday, September 5.
Government has set September 21 as the deadline to finalise the reduction plan.
This development follows a stern ultimatum issued to MultiChoice earlier in August, demanding a 30% price cut by September 6 or risk suspension of its broadcasting license. The directive also carried daily fines of GH¢10,000 for non-compliance. Over the past 24 days, these fines have accumulated to about GH¢150,000, which the Minister said will be collected.
With the committee now in place, subscribers are expected to benefit from lower DStv subscription fees in the coming weeks.
