The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has reiterated his resolve to take regulatory action against MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, over what he describes as unfair and exorbitant subscription fees.
His reaffirmation comes amid rising public dissatisfaction over DStv’s pricing model in Ghana — concerns that have prompted calls for intervention from various stakeholders, including the Minority in Parliament.
While the Minority has urged a diplomatic approach, encouraging engagement between the Ministry, MultiChoice Ghana, and the National Communications Authority (NCA), the Minister has insisted that the process of regulatory enforcement will proceed.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 3, MultiChoice described the directive from the Minister instructing the NCA to suspend its broadcasting licence as “regrettable,” arguing that a further reduction in subscription fees was not feasible under current conditions.
Responding to this position, Sam George dismissed the company’s justification as out of touch with the economic hardships facing Ghanaians.
In a Facebook post on Monday, August 4, he acknowledged the Minority’s appeal for dialogue but insisted that regulatory measures would go ahead as scheduled.
“On the 7th of August, the Regulator would initiate action in line with the terms of the license authorisation and the Electronic Communications Act, Act 775. We would act within the law and in the interest of the Ghanaian people. The RESET agenda demands this action for sanity to prevail,” he wrote.
He further assured that the Ministry would provide a full update to the Parliamentary Committee overseeing the matter once regulatory steps have been completed.
“I remain accountable to the people of Ghana in my service as Minister. I can assure the Committee as a whole that the Ministry would provide a full update when we complete our regulatory actions on 7th August,” he added.
Describing the directive as a last resort, the Minister stressed that the aim is to curb monopolistic practices and ensure subscription fees reflect Ghana’s current economic realities.
Read below the statement by Sam George on Facebook
“I appreciate the call by the NPP Minority on the Communications Select Committee of Parliament for engagement. As Minister and an MP, I have the utmost respect for my oversight Committee.
I can assure the Committee as a whole that the Ministry would provide a full update when we complete our regulatory actions on 7th August.
For the records, let me state that I met the Ghanaian management of DStv on the 27th of June this year to raise my concerns with them. I subsequently wrote to invite their headquarters management and met them on 4th July. A meeting that was held on a holiday and at which I indicated our request of a 30% reduction and the need for DStv to deal with piracy which was being perpetrated on their platform to the detriment of Ghana. (Pictures of both meetings are attached. I have videos as well if needed).
I have always approached this matter with one goal, a fair price for the Ghanaian people. DStv responded with a 9-page letter on 21st July. (If the 1-page letter annoyed you, imagine what was in the 9-pager). The policy directive is a last resort action to protect the Ghanaian public from what appears to be a recalcitrant monopoly which has become tone deaf to the cries of their customers.
On the 7th of August, the Regulator would initiate action in line with the terms of the license authorisation and the Electronic Communications Act, Act 775.
We would act within the law and in the interest of the Ghanaian people. The RESET agenda demands this action for sanity to prevail. I remain accountable to the people of Ghana in my service as Minister.
For God and Country. 🦁🇬🇭
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