Paul A. Twum Barimah, Former Member of Parliament for Dormaa East
A former Member of Parliament for Dormaa East, Paul A. Twum Barimah, has called for greater tact and diplomacy in government’s dealings with service providers following DStv’s denial of claims made by the Minister of Communications Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, about a supposed reduction in subscription charges.
According to him, the rebuttal from the satellite television operator does not only cast doubt on the credibility of the Minister’s announcement but also puts the government in an uncomfortable light before the public. He stressed that engagements of such sensitive nature demanded mutual respect and careful communication, not highhandedness.
“DSTV denies claims by Communication Minister on price reduction. This doesn’t look good for the Minister and the government at large. Engagements such as this requires diplomacy, tact and mutual respect, not highhandedness,” he wrote on his Facebook page
The former lawmaker noted that clear, respectful dialogue with service providers would help prevent unnecessary public confusion and embarrassment. He urged government officials to exercise caution and professionalism in making public pronouncements that involve private sector stakeholders, especially in an era where transparency and credibility remain key to governance.
The MP further explained that while citizens were concerned about the high cost of television subscription services, government must prioritize dialogue and consensus-building to secure outcomes that benefit both consumers and service providers.
The disagreement
In a latest release dated September 5, 2025, MultiChoice Ghana addressed recent comments made by the Minister for Communications regarding the pricing of DStv services in the country.
The company emphasised that while it remained committed to ongoing discussions with the government, no agreement had been reached on a reduction in subscription fees.
“We continue to engage with the Minister in a bid to find an amicable solution that is beneficial for all parties involved but does not jeopardise the viability of the DStv service,” portions of the statement read.
MultiChoice further assured the public that it would fully participate in the Working Committee established to address the matter.
The clarification followed increasing public concern over the affordability of DStv packages in Ghana, where rising subscription costs have sparked calls for government intervention.
Earlier, Sam George issued a stern ultimatum to MultiChoice Ghana to slash DStv subscription prices by 30% or face the suspension of the broadcaster’s licence. In early July 2025, George convened a high-level meeting with a delegation from MultiChoice Ghana, urging the company to lower DStv prices by 30%.
He emphasised that the Ghanaian cedi had appreciated by approximately 30% over the previous five months, yet subscription fees remained unchanged, despite widespread public frustration and outdated content offerings.
The Minister insisted that promotional deals weren’t enough; consumers want a permanent reduction in prices. He requested a formal response by July 21, 2025, to facilitate further discussions.
MultiChoice Ghana responded in July, rejecting the proposed cut and labelling it “not tenable.” The company presented an alternative: maintain current subscription fees while halting revenue remittances to its South African headquarters.
Sam George dismissed this counteroffer as lacking logic and inadequate, reaffirming that his actions were driven by fairness and consumer protection. On August 1, 2025, at a Government Accountability Series press conference in Accra, Sam George escalated the tone.
He directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to begin proceedings to suspend MultiChoice’s operating license if the 30% price cut was not in place by August 7, 2025.
He decried the pricing disparity, citing that Ghanaian consumers were paying the equivalent of US $83 for a premium DStv bouquet—while Nigerian subscribers paid just US $29 for identical content. “It’s plain stealing,” Sam George declared.
Stakeholder committee meeting today
In a related development, the National Communications Authority (NCA) says it has received MultiChoice Ghana’s response to its threat to suspend the company’s authorisation and its demand for a breakdown of the pricing model.
In a statement, the regulator disclosed that it had also secured key commitments from the pay-TV operator following engagements after MultiChoice’s public statement on September 5, 2025.
According to the NCA, MultiChoice Ghana has agreed to fully participate in the Stakeholder Committee ordered by the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations to evaluate DStv pricing in Ghana.
The company has also committed to respect due process, the laws of Ghana, and the rights of its consumers. The first meeting of the Stakeholder Committee is scheduled for today, September 8, 2025, where MultiChoice’s pricing structure is expected to come under intense scrutiny.
The NCA has assured the public that it will continue to provide updates as the process unfolds.
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