Ghana Orders DStv to Slash Prices by 30% or Face License Suspension
Ghanaian authorities have issued an ultimatum to MultiChoice, operators of DStv, demanding a 30% cut in subscription prices by August 7 or face suspension of its broadcasting license.
As reported by the state-run newspaper Daily Graphic, the directive comes amid concerns over the disparity in DStv pricing between Ghana and similar markets. The government cited recent currency gains and regional price inconsistencies as justification for the action.
Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, criticised MultiChoice for keeping prices high despite favourable forex conditions.
“The same premium DStv bouquet costs $83 in Ghana, compared to just $29 in Nigeria,” George said.
He added that MultiChoice proposed freezing current prices and halting revenue repatriation to its parent company, but this offer was rejected by the Ghanaian government.
Ghana’s cedi has appreciated by 40% against the U.S. dollar this year, making it the world’s second-best-performing currency tracked by Bloomberg, only behind the Russian ruble.
In response to the government’s order, MultiChoice expressed strong disagreement with the proposed price adjustment.
“It is not tenable to reduce the DStv subscription fees in the manner proposed by the minister,” the company said. “We strive to keep fees as low as possible despite the extremely challenging competitive and macroeconomic environment, without compromising on customer choice and service quality.”
