MultiChoice agrees to reduce DSTV subscription fees
MultiChoice Ghana has agreed to reduce its subscription fees following intense regulatory pressure from the government.
This comes after the pay-TV provider submitted long-awaited pricing data, including a detailed breakdown of bouquet costs, tax components and comparisons with at least six other African countries.
This data was deemed critical for enabling fair and evidence-based discussions around pricing reforms.
The Ministry of Communications has established a pricing review committee to determine the new structure.
The committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, the National Communications Authority (NCA), MultiChoice Ghana and MultiChoice Africa.
Communications Minister Sam George will personally chair the committee.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, 5 September, Mr George confirmed that MultiChoice had accepted the need for a price reduction and requested a 30-day window to finalise the percentage.
However, the Minister insisted that 14 days would be sufficient, including weekends.
“We’ve taken the decision to immediately establish a stakeholder committee. MultiChoice has finally accepted that there will be a reduction. Now they want us to discuss the level of reduction. I believe, as Minister, that we do not need 30 days. Fourteen days is enough,” he told journalists.
The development follows an ultimatum issued by the government, demanding a 30 per cent price cut by 6 September or face suspension of MultiChoice’s broadcasting licence.
The directive was backed by daily fines of GHS 10,000 for non-compliance, which have now accumulated to approximately GHS 150,000.
Mr George confirmed that the fines accrued over the past 24 days will be collected.
A final decision on the revised pricing is expected by 21 September, offering hope to consumers who have long complained about high subscription costs.
