The West African Regional Director of CUTS International, Appiah Kusi Adomako, has urged MultiChoice, operators of DStv, to engage the government in good faith to resolve the ongoing standoff over subscription pricing.
His appeal follows the Ministry of Communication’s imposition of a statutory fine of GH¢10,000 per day on MultiChoice Ghana for failing to submit critical pricing data requested under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA). The penalty took effect on Friday, August 15, 2025.
Sector Minister, Samuel Nartey George announced the sanction during a meeting with DStv representatives on Thursday, August 14. He explained that the data — including a breakdown of bouquet prices, tax components, and price comparisons with at least six other African countries — was needed to support discussions on reducing subscription costs for Ghanaian consumers. The minister noted that DStv had been given an extension until Monday, August 11, 2025, to submit the information but failed to comply.
Speaking on Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu, on August 15, Mr. Adomako expressed concern about the dispute and cautioned against the possibility of MultiChoice leaving the Ghanaian market, citing its mutual benefits for the company and the country.
“We also don’t know the game plan of MultiChoice, whether they want to leave the market. But I’m not sure they want to leave the market, because Ghana is a market nobody wants to exit. MultiChoice needs to soften its heart and see Ghana as a market it shouldn’t exit. They need Ghana, and we also need them.
“There’s always a gap for negotiation in good faith. I can say that MultiChoice has not demonstrated good faith on this whole matter. They could have gone to the minister and said 30% is not possible. And he would have accepted their request,” he said.
He urged the government, private sector, consumers, and civil society to push for negotiations that would lead to a win-win outcome for both parties.
“I think the whole government machinery, private sector, consumers, and civil society should come in and urge both sides to move towards negotiation and agreement that will bring a win-win for both parties,” he urged.
