Sam George Issues Ultimatum to DSTV for Price Reduction by August 7

On August 1, 2025, during the Government Accountability Series in Accra, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, issued a stern ultimatum to MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DSTV, demanding a 30% reduction in subscription prices by August 7, 2025, or face suspension of their broadcasting license. The Minister disclosed that he had formally directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to initiate the suspension process if DSTV fails to comply. “I have directed the NCA to act swiftly. If by the 7th of August DSTV has not complied, their broadcasting licence will be suspended,” George stated.

The directive follows a July 4, 2025, meeting with DSTV executives, led by Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng, where George requested a price cut in response to public outcry over high fees and outdated content. DSTV’s nine-page response, dated July 21, justified their pricing by citing a 200% depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi over eight years, dismissing the cedi’s recent 30% appreciation as “a fluke.” George rejected this, noting that Nigerians pay $29 for the same premium bouquet that costs Ghanaians $83, despite the Nigerian naira’s 409% depreciation. “We will not allow foreign service providers to take advantage of our citizens under the guise of economic pressures,” he declared.

George emphasized his duty to protect Ghanaians, stating, “My fidelity lies with the Ghanaian people. They have been cheated for years, and it is time we put an end to that.” The Minister’s stance, widely shared on X, reflects growing frustration with DSTV’s pricing disparities and limited value beyond Premier League football, pushing for fairer pricing aligned with Ghana’s economic realities.

Source: African Publicity