Samuel Nartey George
The standoff between government and MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DSTV, has deepened following the imposition of a statutory fine of GH¢10,000 per day on the pay-TV provider.
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations imposed a daily fine on MultiChoice Ghana for allegedly failing to submit pricing data requested under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA).
The penalty, which took effect on Friday, August 15, 2025, was announced by the sector minister, Samuel Nartey George, during a meeting with the DSTV management team at the ministry in Accra.
According to the minister, the information requested included a detailed breakdown of bouquet prices, tax components, and comparative subscription rates in at least six other African countries.
He explained that the data was essential to ongoing discussions aimed at securing lower subscription fees for Ghanaian consumers.
Mr. George disclosed that DSTV had been granted an extension until Monday, August 11, 2025, to submit the information but failed to meet the deadline.
“The regulator informed me that you requested an extension until Monday. Under the Electronic Communications Act, every day that an operator fails to provide requested information attracts a GH¢10,000 penalty. I agreed to wait until Monday rather than start charges immediately, but that goodwill has not been honoured,” he stated.
The ministry had earlier warned that DSTV’s operating licence could be suspended if the company failed to achieve a reduction in subscription prices by September 6, 2025. This follows the broadcaster’s refusal to commit to the ministry’s proposals for lowering charges despite growing public concern over affordability.
“As of today’s meeting, the regulator has confirmed that the requested information has still not been provided. This makes it impossible to engage meaningfully, since the data we require to justify or challenge your pricing is absent. From today, therefore, the ministry will begin applying the statutory fine of GH¢10,000 per day until the full information is received,” the minister emphasised.
By Ernest Kofi Adu