The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a firm ultimatum to DSTV, warning that the broadcaster’s operating licence in Ghana will be suspended if it fails to adjust its subscription prices in accordance with regulatory expectations.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Friday, August 1, the Minister revealed that he had formally instructed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to begin the suspension process should DSTV not comply by Wednesday, August 7.
“I have directed the NCA to act swiftly. If by the 7th of August DSTV has not complied, their broadcasting licence will be suspended,” Mr. George stated.
The Minister’s decision follows a recent letter from DSTV, in which the company defended its pricing structure by pointing to macroeconomic challenges, particularly the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.
“DSTV claims the cedi has depreciated by over 200% in the last eight years, and therefore, they are unable to reduce prices,” he explained.
However, Mr. George rejected this justification, arguing that the rationale is insufficient and that consumers have long borne the burden of inflated subscription fees.
“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 firmly.
He stressed that the government will not tolerate multinational service providers exploiting local consumers under the guise of economic conditions.
“We will not allow foreign service providers to take advantage of our citizens under the pretext of macroeconomic pressures,” Mr. George concluded.
