Sam George vs DSTV: Prices Will Endanger Consumer Welfare & Undermine Investor Confidence
Policy think tank IMANI Africa has cautioned against hardline positions in the ongoing standoff between MultiChoice Ghana, the Ministry of Communication, and the National Communication Authority (NCA) over subscription fees for DStv.
IMANI stressed that the current stalemate threatens not only consumer welfare but also investor confidence in Ghana’s digital economy at a time when the country is positioning itself as a hub under AfCFTA. It argued that structured dialogue, rather than brinkmanship, is the best way forward.
The dispute escalated after Minister for Communications Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, warned of regulatory enforcement against MultiChoice Ghana, accusing the broadcaster of disrespecting Ghanaians by denying an agreement to reduce prices. MultiChoice countered with a statement clarifying that it had not agreed to any price cut but remained open to engagement through the Stakeholder Committee formed by the NCA.
Following public exchanges, the NCA confirmed that MultiChoice Ghana had committed to due process, consumer rights, and participation in the first Stakeholder Committee meeting scheduled for September 8, 2025, where its pricing model will be scrutinised.
In its recommendations, IMANI proposed that the NCA convert its 30-day cure window into public-interest hearings involving consumer groups, telecom economists, and MultiChoice representatives. It further urged DSTV to demonstrate openness by joining an independent tariff review panel that benchmarks prices against peer markets while tying future adjustments to macroeconomic indicators like inflation and exchange rates.
IMANI concluded that Ghana must develop a comprehensive competition and pricing framework under the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation to ensure predictability, safeguard consumer welfare, and protect investor confidence.