The Ministry of Communications has begun enforcing a statutory penalty of GH¢10,000 per day against MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DSTV, for failing to submit critical pricing data requested under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA).
The sanction took effect on Friday, August 15, 2025, after the company missed an extended deadline of Monday, August 11, 2025. The required information includes a detailed breakdown of bouquet prices, tax components, and comparative subscription costs from at least six other African markets.
According to Sector Minister Sam George, the data is essential for ongoing discussions aimed at making DSTV subscription fees more affordable for Ghanaian customers. Speaking during a meeting with MultiChoice executives, he stressed that transparency in pricing is non-negotiable if the government is to address public concerns over rising costs.
“This is not a matter of negotiation—it is the law,” Mr. George asserted. “If necessary, we can freeze accounts to protect consumer interests. The fine is a statutory requirement separate from the ongoing stakeholder engagement process.”
The Ministry has warned that should MultiChoice fail to agree on a price reduction by September 6, 2025, the company’s operating licence could be suspended. Sam George emphasized that once the requested data is received, it will undergo an objective review to determine the real drivers of subscription costs.
“If the data proves that high subscription fees are primarily due to taxes, I will personally advocate for tax relief from the Ministry of Finance,” he assured. “If not, we expect DSTV to comply with our directive to make subscriptions more affordable.”
This move by the government comes after growing consumer complaints about DSTV’s pricing structure in Ghana, with many customers pointing out significant differences compared to other African countries. The Minister noted that understanding these disparities requires full access to DSTV’s pricing model and tax breakdowns.
Industry observers say the situation underscores a broader debate about fairness and competitiveness in Ghana’s pay-TV market. While MultiChoice Ghana has yet to publicly respond to the fines, insiders suggest the company is reviewing its options.
For now, the daily penalty will continue to accrue until the data is submitted, potentially amounting to hundreds of thousands of cedis if the standoff persists. Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the Ministry’s firm stance, seeing it as a step toward greater transparency and accountability in the entertainment and telecommunications sectors.
As the September 6 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on whether MultiChoice complies, negotiates a reduction, or risks losing its licence altogether.
