The Ghanaian government has given MultiChoice Ghana until August 7 to reduce its DStv subscription rates by 30 percent or face suspension of its broadcasting license.
This directive follows growing concerns over what officials describe as unfair pricing practices, especially when compared to other African markets where the same services are significantly cheaper.
According to the newsmen, the ultimatum was issued after it was observed that despite recent gains made by the Ghanaian cedi, MultiChoice increased its prices by 15 percent in April.
Ghana’s Communication Minister calls price hike unjustified
The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, criticised the April adjustment as unmerited, citing the strengthening of the local currency as a basis for price cuts rather than hikes.
George highlighted that Ghana’s cedi has appreciated by 40 percent against the U S dollar in 2025, trailing only the Russian ruble, based on Bloomberg data.
He also pointed out that DStv Premium costs as much as 83 dollars in Ghana compared to just 29 dollars in Nigeria for the same bouquet.
MultiChoice offers freeze and revenue hold
During earlier discussions, MultiChoice reportedly offered to maintain current prices and temporarily suspend repatriation of earnings to its parent company, but the minister rejected the proposal.
He insisted that only a significant price slash would reflect the realities of Ghana’s improved currency and the need for regional pricing fairness.
MultiChoice response and stance
In a statement issued in response, MultiChoice expressed its inability to comply with the directive, stating that:
“It is not tenable to reduce the DStv subscription fees in the manner proposed by the minister”.
The company maintained that it always strives to keep prices as low as possible without compromising service quality or content standards, especially in the face of challenging economic conditions.
Nigeria’s ongoing legal tussle with MultiChoice
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the pay-TV giant is also battling regulatory challenges following its March 1, 2025 price hike which affected both DStv and GOtv subscribers.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission FCCPC had summoned the company for an investigative hearing after widespread backlash over the increase.
Under the revised pricing, DStv Compact rose from N15,700 to N19,000 while Compact Plus jumped from N25,000 to N30,000 and Premium increased from N37,000 to N44,500.
GOtv plans were also adjusted with the Supa Plus bouquet moving from N15,700 to N16,800 among other changes.
Despite FCCPC’s warnings and a summons issued to CEO John Ugbe, MultiChoice implemented the new pricing, prompting the Commission to initiate legal action for violating regulatory orders and obstructing investigations.
The matter is now before the Court of Appeal in Abuja, where the FCCPC is seeking redress over anti-competitive conduct and possible abuse of market dominance.
Wider implications for African pay-TV markets
These events in both Ghana and Nigeria may signal increasing regulatory scrutiny of MultiChoice across Africa, particularly regarding pricing practices, market power and consumer protection.
Observers suggest that if Ghana proceeds with the license suspension or if Nigerian regulators win in court, it could set a precedent for how pay-TV companies are expected to price their services fairly across the continent.
