Multichoice Ghana, the company that runs DSTV and GoTV, has received an ultimatum from Communications Minister Sam George.
He wants the cost of DSTV subscriptions to be lowered to reflect Ghana’s macroeconomic gains, especially the cedi’s more than 40% appreciation in the first half of the year.
The government has instructed the National Communications Authority to suspend Multichoice’s licence if the company does not comply by 7 August.
In 2025, the cedi was worth GH¢14.7 to the US dollar. Since April, it has increased and stayed steady between GH¢10.3 and GH¢10.5. Exchange rate concerns have frequently been used by Multichoice as an excuse for past pricing increases.
The government now wants the opposite of that reasoning.
Following several meetings, the Ministry ordered Multichoice to lower the cost of DSTV packages by 30%. The business has refused, stating that the order is unworkable.
In response, if Multichoice does not comply, the Minister has directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend the company’s licence by Thursday, August 7.
The Minister also draws attention to price differences within Africa.
In Ghana, DSTV’s premium bundle costs $82.41, in South Africa, $38.66, and in Nigeria, $29.05. Although the disparity might appear disproportionate, there are other factors besides exchange rates that affect prices in different nations. Inflation, income levels, content licensing, market size, and tax laws all have an impact.
Ghana’s price, however, is notable.
The government may be vulnerable to legal challenges or international arbitration if the proposed 30% decrease is not supported by unambiguous data and evidence of high profit margins or pricing insensitivity.
Can DSTV’s licence be suspended by the NCA?
The Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), clause 13, gives the NCA the legal right to suspend or cancel a licence in specific circumstances. These consist of:
Noncompliance with the Act, Regulations, or the terms of the licence
Disregard the Authority’s legal instructions
Failure to pay regulatory fees
abruptly stopping operations
Public interest or national security concerns
When a fine is thought to be insufficient to remedy the violation
The NCA must provide 30 days’ written notice, specify the grounds, and provide the company a chance to address or correct the violation before taking any further action.
However, the DSTV pricing controversy might be more in line with Clause 25, which deals with tariffs.
According to clause 25, service providers should base their pricing for electronic communications services on supply and demand. However, the Authority can only intervene and control prices in the following circumstances:
If the market is dominated by one operator
If there is evidence of anti-competitive pricing or cross-subsidization that stifles competition
What follows?
This legal procedure must be followed in order to suspend Multichoice’s licence. Failure to do so exposes the government to legal action.
Now, everyone in the nation is waiting for August 7 to see which side, if any, gives in.
