Deputy National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kamal-Deen Abdulai, has criticised the approach taken by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, in his negotiations with MultiChoice Africa over DStv subscription fees.
His comments follow the Minister’s announcement that MultiChoice has agreed to an “unprecedented increased value offer” for the Ghanaian market, which the government has touted as a major concession that will deliver significantly improved service offerings for subscribers.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Mr. Abdulai said the Minister’s confrontational stance undermined the negotiations.
“To my brother Sam George, talk is cheap. You can do all the talking and raise your muscles, but trust that people stand by the law. When investors come into this country, they look for fine lawyers and engage them.
“They also engage tax experts and marketing experts. That is a serious investor’s approach. So, when you come up with threats, they don’t care. They will also go and consult their people. The whole thing then becomes like a fight,” he said.
Mr. Abdulai argued that instead of issuing threats, the Minister should have mobilised public support to strengthen Ghana’s bargaining position.
“At least he was lucky because the public was with him. All he needed to do was to water the grounds enough with the public and find a way of getting the public to issue statements to DStv.
“When they see that, they will know the public is serious. But he didn’t do that. Rather, he came out with threats, only for him to come at the last minute to announce that subscribers are going to enjoy more channels. Does more channel mean reduction?” he questioned.
Sam George: DStv subscribers to enjoy between 33% to 50% increased value
