The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has began enforcing a statutory fine of GHC10,000 per day on MultiChoice Ghana (DStv) for failing to submit crucial price data required by the Electronic Communications Act. The punishment became effective on Friday, August 15, 2025.
Sector Minister Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP) made the announcement during a meeting with the DStv team at the Ministry on Thursday, August 14. He explained that the sought data, which included a breakdown of bouquet costs, tax components, and comparisons with at least six other African nations, was critical to facilitating meaningful interaction in lowering subscription fees for Ghanaian users.
According to the Minister, DStv was given an extension until Monday, August 11, 2025, to supply the information, but failed to meet the deadline.
“The regulator notified me that you had requested an extension until Monday. According to the Electronic Communications Act (ECA), each day that an operator fails to furnish requested information results in a GHC10,000 penalty. “I agreed to wait until Monday rather than begin charges right away, as the difference of a few days was not critical at that point,” he stated.
The Ministry previously warned that if no price reductions were made by September 6, 2025, DStv’s operating licence would be suspended. This came after the corporation refused to commit to cutting subscription fees, despite the Ministry’s suggestion.
“However, as of today’s meeting, the regulator confirmed that the needed information was still not supplied. This makes meaningful engagement hard because the data required to defend or question your pricing has not been submitted. As a result, starting today, the Ministry will impose a statutory punishment of GHC10,000 per day until all information is received,” the Minister added.
Hon. Nartey George made it clear that the data request was different from continuing stakeholder interaction.
“The law is clear, and we intend to enforce it. “If necessary, we can freeze accounts to protect consumer interests,” he stated.
The Minister further stated that once the data is submitted, it will be objectively reviewed.
“If the research demonstrates that taxes are the sole cause of high costs, I will call for a tax review. If not, we expect DStv to follow our request to make subscriptions more inexpensive,” he stated.
