Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has warned that all DStv services could be taken off-air by September 6 if MultiChoice fails to comply with a regulatory directive on pricing transparency.
The dispute stems from the company’s refusal to provide detailed data on subscription packages, tax components, and comparative rates across at least six African countries. Regulators say the information is essential to review costs and protect consumers from what they describe as unfair charges.
The minister said MultiChoice had until August 11 to submit the data after being granted an extension, but the operator failed to meet the deadline. He explained that the company sought to link the request with its response to a separate 30-day suspension notice, a position the ministry rejected. “While they seek to consolidate us, I will enforce the laws of the land. If on the 6th of September there is no resolution, we will stop any transmission of DStv in the country,” George told reporters.
The ministry has already imposed a GH¢10,000 daily fine for non-compliance and insists it has the power to suspend or revoke a licence in the public interest. Officials argue that greater transparency is needed to bring relief to households facing rising subscription fees.
The warning raises the stakes for MultiChoice, whose satellite service reaches thousands of homes across Ghana. A blackout would disrupt entertainment, sports, and news access, while also hitting jobs and advertising revenue tied to the broadcaster. The company has yet to indicate whether it will meet the government’s demands before the deadline.
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