Sam George warns: All DStv Transmissions in Ghana Could Be Suspended by September 6

Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has warned that all DStv transmissions across the country could be suspended by 6 September 2025 if MultiChoice, the service provider, fails to comply with a key regulatory directive.

The warning follows an ongoing standoff between the government and MultiChoice over access to detailed pricing information. The ministry had requested the company to provide a breakdown of its subscription fees, including bouquet prices, applicable taxes and price comparisons with at least six other African countries, as part of efforts to address consumer concerns over high subscription costs.

Mr George explained that MultiChoice had missed the ministry’s deadline even after being granted an extension until Monday, 11 August 2025. “They said they wanted to provide a consolidated response, and I asked what that meant. They explained that they wanted to submit the information alongside a response to the 30-day suspension notice. The two are not connected in any way,” he said.

Earlier, the ministry had served notice to suspend the company’s licence over its failure to act on the initial directive to reduce subscription prices. As part of the enforcement measures, MultiChoice has been fined GH¢10,000 per day for failing to submit the requested pricing data.

“The suspension notice is saying that they failed to apply to the first request of the Ministry, and per the terms of their licence, we have the power to suspend your licence in the interest of the public or on national security grounds. So, we invoked that clause and suspended it. While they seek to consolidate us, I will enforce the laws of the land. We have fined them GH¢10,000. If on the 6th of September there is no resolution, we will stop any transmission of DStv in the country,” the Minister stated.

The ministry insists that MultiChoice must provide transparent data to enable meaningful engagement on subscription fees. Mr George said the government remains committed to protecting consumer interests and ensuring fair pricing in Ghana’s digital broadcasting space.