Entertainment

Ghana to DSTV: Cut Prices or Lose Licence

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on August 5th, 2025.

Accra, Ghana – August 5, 2025 — The Government of Ghana has issued a stern warning to MultiChoice Ghana, the operator of satellite television service DSTV, threatening to suspend its broadcasting licence if the company fails to review and reduce its recent subscription price hike.

The National Communications Authority (NCA), acting on growing consumer complaints and parliamentary pressure, announced on Monday that DSTV’s pricing model could no longer go unchecked. The regulator expressed concern over what it described as “unjustifiable and recurring” increases in subscription fees, which have sparked nationwide criticism.

Public Outrage Over New Prices

Subscribers were met with frustration in July when DSTV rolled out new charges, with some premium packages increasing by as much as 18%. For many Ghanaians already grappling with economic hardship, the price hike was seen as both sudden and exploitative.

“I can barely afford groceries, and now I’m being priced out of basic entertainment,” said Ama Mensah, a resident of Kumasi. “Why should we keep paying more for the same service?”

The Ghanaian Parliament weighed in last week, with several MPs urging the NCA to intervene and demand accountability from MultiChoice. Some lawmakers even proposed encouraging alternative pay-TV services to promote competition and reduce monopolistic tendencies in the market.

Regulator Issues Ultimatum

In response, the NCA has given DSTV an ultimatum: roll back the recent price increase or face the suspension of its operating licence in Ghana.

“The Authority takes consumer protection seriously,” the NCA said in an official statement. “If MultiChoice fails to comply with directives to ensure fair and affordable pricing, regulatory actions—including licence suspension—will be considered.”

DSTV Reacts

MultiChoice Ghana has responded with caution, stating that pricing decisions are influenced by various factors, including currency fluctuations, content acquisition costs, and regional operating expenses.

“We remain committed to delivering value to our customers while navigating a challenging business environment,” the company noted in a press release. “We are in active discussions with the regulator to address their concerns.”

The Bigger Picture

DSTV has faced similar scrutiny in other African countries, including Nigeria and Kenya, where regulators and consumer rights groups have challenged their pricing policies. In many cases, DSTV’s dominance in the pay-TV space has led to accusations of price exploitation and limited competition.

In Ghana, the recent standoff has revived discussions about the need for stronger consumer protection laws in the telecom and media industries. Analysts suggest that unless alternative providers are encouraged to enter the market, consumers will remain at the mercy of a few dominant players.

What’s Next?

The NCA has not disclosed a specific deadline for DSTV to respond, but sources within the agency say internal reviews are ongoing and further action could be announced within the month.

For now, Ghanaian viewers are left in limbo—unsure whether their favorite programs will continue uninterrupted, or if the screens will go dark over a pricing standoff that pits corporate profit agai

nst public interest.