Samuel Nartey George (MP), the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, has urged Multichoice Ghana to lower DSTV subscription costs by 30 percent.
He cites the Ghanaian cedi’s notable appreciation and the public’s mounting discontent with the current rates.
The Minister stated during a meeting with a DSTV team, headed by Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng, Group Executive for Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, that the government’s job is to address the concerns of Ghanaians, who have complained about the exorbitant DSTV rates and out-of-date content selection.
The Minister pointed out that DSTV prices have not kept pace with the positive economic shift, even though the cedi’s value has improved by 30 percent in the last five months.
To keep up with the cedi’s appreciation and give consumers financial advantages, he is requesting a 30 percent price reduction.
Although Multichoice has launched promotional packages, he emphasised that subscribers would rather receive a straight price reduction than temporary deals.
According to Sam George, feedback from public engagements revealed that many viewers were unhappy with DSTV’s programming, calling it out of date aside from Premier League football, and felt that the current price was unwarranted.
July 21 deadline to respond
He stated that Multichoice Ghana has until July 21 to formally reply to the government’s request in order to allay the worries. By this date, the Minister anticipates a firm proposal, which will allow for additional engagement before the end of July.
Cross-border piracy addressed
Speaking about the growing problem of cross-border piracy, particularly the use of illegal DSTV boxes from other nations, the Minister touched on the topics of piracy and regulatory compliance. He pointed out that such actions hurt government revenue and local service providers.
The Minister also promoted the local content component during the meeting, claiming it would boost the earnings of Ghanaian film producers and create jobs.
He claimed that the government was drafting a new broadcasting bill that would progressively raise the standards for local content across all platforms.
The Minister emphasised how crucial it is to use these reforms to support local production companies and job creation.
Striking a balance between public interest and business sustainability
Dr. Modimoeng conveyed gratitude for the chance to speak and acknowledged the government’s concerns.
In their positive response to the Hon. Minister’s request, the team emphasised the need to strike a balance between public interest and business sustainability and agreed to provide feedback by July 21.
Additionally, he reaffirmed Multichoice’s commitment to intensifying efforts to stop piracy and regularly updating the public on its progress.
The meeting emphasised the government’s dedication to consumer protection, regulatory discipline, and the advancement of local content in Ghana’s broadcasting industry.