MultiChoice stands firm against Ghana’s demand for 30% DStv fee reduction

Banele Ginidza

The MultiChoice Group, the parent company of satellite television DStv, has firmly rejected calls from Ghana’s Minister for Communications Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, for a 30% reduction in subscription fees.

This comes as George characterised DStv’s pricing in Ghana as unfair, highlighting the stark contrast between the premium bouquet price of $83 (R1 461) in Ghana compared to $29 (R510) for the same package in Nigeria.

On Sunday, MultiChoice South Africa's corporate affairs executive, Litlhare Moteetee-Muranda, referred to a statement that further clarified the group's position where MultiChoice Ghana acknowledged the establishment of a Working Committee aimed at resolving the discrepancy but stressed that no agreement had been reached regarding price reductions.

"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," the group said.

The stalemate has escalated to a critical point where Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to South Africa, Benjamin Kofi Quashie, has urged for a collaborative approach to break the deadlock.

Quashie insisted that prolonged tensions could diminish investor confidence across West Africa, stressing that the matter should be settled through negotiations rather than public confrontation.

“This challenge can be resolved amicably in the boardroom. MultiChoice is a South African success story with investments across Africa, and its operations in Ghana must not be allowed to collapse on a bitter note,” Quashie said in Accra on Friday.

Ghana's Ministry of Communications has put pressure on MultiChoice, granting a 14-day window for negotiations regarding subscription price reductions following George's announcement on Friday.

A rigorous deadline has been set, with the stakeholder committee, overseen by George, expected to conclude discussions and propose a revised pricing structure for consumers by September 21.

“Ahead of the expiration of the suspension notice tomorrow, MultiChoice yesterday reached out to the Ministry and the regulator, indicating a willingness to comply to address the pricing concerns through a consultative process as was adopted by the Ministry with the MNOs during the data pricing reduction exercise,” George claimed on Friday. 

He also disclosed that the pay-TV provider initially called for a month period for the discussions.

“So let's be clear, they have finally accepted that there will be a reduction. Now they want us to discuss the level of reduction. I believe, as Minister, that we do not need 30 days. 14 days is enough for us to reach this decision, inclusive of weekends,” he said.

“Therefore, the committee has a strict 14-day mandate, inclusive of weekends, to conclude its work and present a suitable price reduction structure for the people of Ghana by September 21, 2025.” 

The minister further disclosed that French company Canal+ Group, which is expected to complete its acquisition of MultiChoice Group by the end of the month, has confirmed that it will honour the outcome of the committee’s work and prioritise Ghana in its post-acquisition strategy.

As relationships between the government and the pay-TV provider churn in uncertainty, the National Communications Authority (NCA) has also served notice of issuing daily fines of GH¢10 000, following MultiChoice's failure to provide a detailed cost breakdown of its pricing within a prescribed timeframe in accordance with the Electronic Communications Act.

The conflict first ignited back last month when George - speaking at a press briefing dubbed "Government Accountability Series" in Accra - demanded MultiChoice implement the proposed 30% fee cut by August 7, or face a suspension of its broadcasting licence.

Alex Okyere, managing director of MultiChoice Ghana, rejected the demand as "not tenable" and countered that any pricing review must consider the broader economic landscape and the necessity of maintaining quality service.

“While we appreciate the recent appreciation of the cedi, it is not tenable to reduce the DStv subscription fees in the manner proposed by the Minister,” Okyere said.

MultiChoice added that it had presented an alternative proposal to both the minister and the NCA as part of continuing discussions to address the pricing concerns.

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