-
NCA’s stakeholder committee reviewing DStv pricing was given a one-week extension and will present findings by 29 Sept 2025.
-
The committee began work on 8 Sept 2025 and has two mandates: assess DStv pricing in Ghana and design a roadmap to tackle cross-border piracy (notably feeds from Nigeria).
-
MultiChoice Ghana raised subscription fees by about 15% in April 2025, sparking affordability complaints from subscribers.
-
In August the government ordered a 30% price cut or threatened to suspend MultiChoice’s broadcast licence; MultiChoice rejected that demand as unsustainable.
-
The Ministry fined MultiChoice GH¢10,000 per day for failing to supply required pricing data under the Electronic Communications Act.
-
Authorities insist on full pricing transparency: bouquet breakdowns, tax components, and comparisons with at least six African countries.
-
The committee’s recommendations could lead to regulatory action, price adjustments, anti-piracy measures, or licence enforcement.
-
Public and industry stakeholders are watching closely — the report may reshape pay-TV pricing and enforcement in Ghana.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has confirmed that the special stakeholder committee reviewing DStv subscription prices will submit its final report by Monday, September 29, 2025, following a one-week extension granted by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.
The committee, inaugurated on September 8, 2025, was tasked with two main responsibilities: first, to establish a clear understanding of DStv’s pricing structure in Ghana and recommend fair yet commercially viable adjustments; and second, to design a roadmap to address the growing issue of cross-border piracy, where subscribers access cheaper DStv feeds from Nigeria.
While progress has been made, the committee requested more time to finalize its findings, an appeal the Minister approved.
This development comes against a backdrop of growing tension between MultiChoice Ghana and both subscribers and government regulators. In April, DStv customers were hit with an average 15 percent increase in subscription fees, sparking public outcry over affordability, especially given the relative stability of the cedi.
In August, the government escalated matters by directing MultiChoice to slash prices by 30 percent or face suspension of its broadcasting licence. The company refused, citing unsustainable costs related to content rights, licensing, and operations.
As a result, the Ministry imposed a GH¢10,000 daily fine on the broadcaster for failing to provide the detailed pricing data required under the Electronic Communications Act. Authorities insist that transparency — including a full breakdown of bouquet prices, taxes, and regional comparisons with at least six other African countries — is necessary to ensure fairness for Ghanaian consumers.
With the September 29 deadline fast approaching, all eyes are now on the committee’s recommendations, which could reshape pay-TV pricing and enforcement in Ghana.
