MultiChoice Denies Agreement on DStv Price Cut
MultiChoice Ghana has categorically denied claims that it has agreed to slash DStv subscription fees, stating it has made no such commitment despite ongoing engagements with the government.
In a statement dated September 5, the pay-TV operator said it continues to work with the Minister for Communications Technology and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, and will fully participate in the established Working Committee. However, the company stressed that “MultiChoice Group has not agreed to a price reduction.”
This clarification follows weeks of heightened pressure from government officials, with the Minister leading calls for MultiChoice to lower its subscription rates in Ghana. Samuel Nartey George had earlier issued strong public statements, warning the company to cut fees or risk regulatory intervention. He argued that with the cedi showing relative stability in recent months, MultiChoice had no justification for maintaining what he described as “inflated” subscription charges compared to other African markets.
The Minister’s threats sparked heated debate across the country, with many consumers backing his stance. Ghanaian subscribers have long voiced frustration at what they perceive as unfairly high charges, especially at a time when household incomes are being squeezed by inflation and high living costs. In July, the Minister went as far as to demand a 30% reduction in subscription fees, citing public discontent and calling for transparency in how prices are determined.
MultiChoice has consistently pushed back against these demands, arguing that its pricing is shaped by content acquisition costs, operational expenses, and currency fluctuations. The company maintains that any drastic price cuts could jeopardize the viability of its service in Ghana. In its latest statement, MultiChoice emphasized its willingness to seek an “amicable solution that is beneficial for all parties involved,” but underscored that such a solution must not undermine its business sustainability.
The dispute underscores a wider tension between regulators seeking consumer relief and companies protecting their commercial interests. While consumers eagerly await possible reductions, MultiChoice’s firm denial suggests that no immediate price cuts are forthcoming. The company’s participation in the Working Committee signals room for dialogue, but the eventual outcome remains uncertain.
