It’s barely 48 hours to the deadline issued by the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Samuel Nartey George, to MultiChoice Ghana (DStv) to cut back its subscription costs by 30% or danger a suspension of its broadcasting licence.
In keeping with the minister, the present pricing construction quantities to the exploitation of Ghanaians, particularly when in comparison with markets corresponding to Nigeria. He described the state of affairs as “plain stealing.”
Talking on the Authorities Accountability Collection on Friday, 1 August, Mr George revealed that he had written to the Nationwide Communications Authority (NCA), requesting it to suspend the broadcasting licence of DStv ought to the corporate fail to implement a worth discount.
He criticised the pricing disparity between Ghana and Nigeria, declaring that whereas Ghanaian subscribers pay the equal of $83 for the premium bundle, Nigerian shoppers pay solely $29 for a similar service.
DStv Responds
In an official assertion dated 3 August 2025 and signed by Managing Director Alex Okyere, MultiChoice Ghana rejected the proposed price reduction, citing financial impracticality and the necessity to preserve service high quality. The corporate dismissed the recommended reduce as unrealistic, though it acknowledged the current appreciation of the cedi.
MultiChoice reaffirmed its dedication to conserving subscription charges as reasonably priced as attainable, regardless of macroeconomic challenges and intense competitors within the media business. The corporate added that any pricing revisions should keep in mind the price of delivering high quality companies and sustaining buyer satisfaction.
With the deadline quick approaching and no decision but reached, what precisely does the legislation say in regards to the NCA’s powers in such issues?
The NCA’s Authorized Authority
Below clause 13 of the Digital Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), the NCA has the authority to droop or revoke licences and frequency authorisations underneath sure situations.
Clause 13 (1) states that the Authority might droop or revoke a licence or frequency authorisation the place:
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(a) the licence or authorisation holder has materially did not adjust to any provisions of the Act, its Rules, or the phrases and situations of the licence or authorisation;
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(b) the licensee or authorisation holder has materially did not adjust to a lawful directive from the Authority;
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(c) the licensee or authorisation holder is in default of cost of any charges or costs imposed underneath this Act, the Nationwide Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769), or Rules.
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What Occurs When a Licence Will get Suspended?
The legislation additional gives extra grounds for suspension or revocation. In keeping with clause 13 (1)(d), motion could also be taken the place:
the licensee ceases to:
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(i) function the general public communications community;
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(ii) present the general public digital communications service; or
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(iii) use the frequency band;
Different justifications embody:
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(e) if suspension or revocation is important for nationwide safety or is deemed to be within the public curiosity;
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(f) if the imposition of a nice underneath the Act is taken into account inadequate within the circumstances.
ALSO READ: Minority calls for Sam George and DStv to be summoned over subscription price dispute
Conclusion
In the meantime, the Minority Caucus in Parliament has formally petitioned the Chairman of the Communications Committee to summon each events for a decision. In response, Mr Nartey George assured that he would supply a full replace after finishing the regulatory processes on 7 August.
Because the deadline attracts close to, shoppers stay anxious, awaiting the ultimate final result of this regulatory standoff.
