Ghana Orders MultiChoice to Cut DStv Subscription Fees by 30% or Risk License Suspension
In a bold regulatory move, the Ghanaian government has ordered MultiChoice Ghana to cut DStv subscription fees by 30% before August 7, 2025, or face the suspension of its broadcasting license.
According to a report by Daily Graphic, the directive follows complaints that DStv pricing in Ghana is significantly higher than in other African markets, despite the strong performance of the Ghanaian cedi.
Why Ghana Demands a 30% DStv Price Reduction
Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, criticised the company’s recent 15% price hike in April, calling it “unjustified.” He noted that the Ghanaian cedi has appreciated by 40% against the U.S. dollar in 2025, making the price hike unreasonable.
“MultiChoice charges $83 for its premium bouquet in Ghana, compared to just $29 in Nigeria,” the Minister said.
During recent negotiations, MultiChoice offered to maintain current rates and halt repatriation of earnings to its South African headquarters. However, the minister rejected this, insisting on a price cut that reflects regional parity and economic reality.
MultiChoice Responds: “Price Cut Not Tenable”
In response, MultiChoice Ghana said the proposed reduction is not realistic.
“It is not tenable to reduce DStv subscription fees in the manner proposed,” the company said in a statement.
MultiChoice defended its pricing model, citing efforts to keep rates “as low as possible” despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.
Ghana’s Currency Surge Drives Price Review
Ghana’s currency appreciation is central to the government’s position. Bloomberg data shows that the Ghanaian cedi is the second-best-performing currency in 2025, just behind the Russian ruble. This appreciation has made imported services like DStv relatively cheaper, raising questions about why prices haven’t adjusted accordingly.
MultiChoice’s Legal Battle in Nigeria Over Price Hikes
This is not the first regulatory challenge for the MultiChoice Group in West Africa.
In Nigeria, MultiChoice is currently facing a legal battle over price hikes implemented in March 2025. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is challenging the company for alleged abuse of market dominance and anti-competitive behaviour.
Here’s a breakdown of the March 2025 price hike in Nigeria:
- DStv Compact: ₦15,700 → ₦19,000 (25% increase)
- DStv Compact Plus: ₦25,000 → ₦30,000 (20% increase)
- DStv Premium: ₦37,000 → ₦44,500 (20% increase)
- GOtv Supa Plus: ₦15,700 → ₦16,800
Despite being summoned by the FCCPC and warned about non-compliance, MultiChoice Nigeria went ahead with the price increases, leading to a court case now sitting at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
What’s Next for MultiChoice in Ghana?
Ghana’s government has made it clear: Reduce DStv prices by 30% or risk being shut down. This sets a new precedent for regulatory intervention in Africa’s pay-TV industry, especially regarding price fairness, currency fluctuations, and consumer protection.
With just days left before the August 7 deadline, the spotlight is on MultiChoice Ghana. Will it comply—or risk losing one of West Africa’s most lucrative broadcasting markets?
