Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has taken a bold stance against pay-TV giant DSTV, warning the company to reduce its subscription fees or risk having its licence suspended by Wednesday, August 7, 2025.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series held on Friday, August 1, the Minister revealed that he had already written to the National Communications Authority (NCA) with clear instructions to begin the process of suspending DSTV’s broadcasting licence should the company fail 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,” the Minister declared firmly.
According to Mr. George, DSTV recently responded to the government’s earlier requests for a price review, justifying its current subscription rates by referencing Ghana’s macroeconomic conditions, including the depreciation of the Cedi.
“DSTV claims the Ghanaian Cedi has depreciated by over 200% in the last eight years, and therefore, they cannot reduce their prices,” he explained.
However, the Minister was unequivocal in rejecting this rationale, stressing that Ghanaian consumers have endured exploitative pricing for years without sufficient justification.
“My fidelity lies with the Ghanaian people. They have been cheated for years, and it is time we put an end to that,” he said.
Mr. George emphasized that his ministry will no longer allow foreign broadcasters or digital service providers to exploit Ghanaians under the pretext of inflation or exchange rate fluctuations.
“We will not allow foreign service providers to take advantage of our citizens under the guise of economic pressures,” he added.
This development marks a significant shift in how the Ghanaian government is handling foreign media operators in the country. It signals a tougher regulatory environment, particularly regarding pricing structures that are seen to be out of touch with the economic realities of Ghanaian households.
The potential suspension of DSTV’s licence could have significant implications for television entertainment access across the country. As one of Ghana’s largest pay-TV providers, any interruption in its services would affect thousands of subscribers.
Observers now await DSTV’s response to the ultimatum and whether the NCA will be forced to carry out the Minister’s directive should no action be taken by the company before the deadline.
For now, all eyes remain on the unfolding standoff, which could set a precedent for how multinational digital service providers engage with regulators and consumers in emerging markets like Ghana.
