Ghana Threatens to Shut Down MultiChoice Over DStv Subscription Price Dispute
- The Ghanaian government ordered MultiChoice Ghana to cut DStv subscription prices by 30% or face sanctions
- Communications Minister Sam George initially announced that MultiChoice had agreed to the reduction
- MultiChoice later denied any such agreement, prompting the government to threaten enforcement actions
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Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology, Banking and the Economy.
Tensions are rising between Ghana and South African media giant MultiChoice over recent increases in DStv subscription fees.
In early August 2025, the Ghanaian government issued a stern directive ordering MultiChoice Ghana to slash its prices by 30% before August 7 or risk losing its broadcasting license.
Source: UGC
The order also imposed a GHC 10,000 daily fine for non-compliance.
Communications Minister Sam George later announced that MultiChoice had consented to the price cut after submitting long-requested pricing data, which detailed subscription bundles, tax breakdowns, and comparisons with other African countries.
The development was initially celebrated as a win for Ghanaian consumers.
However, MultiChoice quickly contradicted the Minister’s statement, insisting it never agreed to reduce prices.
In its official response, the company stressed its willingness to continue discussions and participate in a joint working committee but firmly denied committing to any fee reduction.
MultiChoice stated:
“We continue to engage with the Minister in a bid to find amicable solution that is beneficial for all parties involved but does not jeopardise the viability of the DSTV service.
“We will fully participate in the established working committee. However, we wish to clarify that MultiChoice Group has not agreed to a price reduction.”
George stated:
“No company is above the law. When MultiChoice is ready to discuss price reduction, they can come to the negotiation table. Until then, there is nothing for us to meet over."
The Minister, angered by what he described as “disrespect” toward Ghanaians, reaffirmed that the government would press ahead with sanctions.
He stated that if MultiChoice had backtracked on its earlier stance, regulators would enforce a shutdown, adding that no company is above Ghana’s laws.
Source: UGC
The government’s tough position is rooted in claims that DStv fees in Ghana are unreasonably high compared to other African markets, even though the cedi has strengthened this year.
Authorities argue that the 15% price increase introduced in April was unjustified under current economic conditions.
MultiChoice faces backlash in Nigeria
MultiChoice has repeatedly increased subscription prices in Nigeria over the past year, a move that has triggered widespread protests from subscribers.
The public outrage prompted the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to step in, directing the company to suspend the planned price hikes and summoning its chief executive officer for questioning.
However, despite the regulator’s directive, MultiChoice proceeded with the increases, which ultimately led the FCCPC to initiate legal action against the pay-TV provider.
Interestingly, despite multiple price adjustments, MultiChoice’s audited financial report for the year ended March 31, 2025, revealed that the company lost approximately 1.4 million Nigerian subscribers over the past two years.
MultiChoice testing weekly subscriptions for DStv, GOtv
In related news, Legit.ng reported that MultiChoice Group has launched a pilot scheme to test weekly subscription packages for DStv and GOtv.
According to the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Calvo Mawela, the new plan's performance will be assessed over the next six months to determine its viability.
The trial is currently underway in Uganda, with plans to extend the offering to Nigeria and other African countries if it proves successful.
Source: Legit.ng
