Government Threatens to Shut Down DStv by September 6 Over Pricing Data Dispute
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has issued a strong ultimatum to MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, warning that all transmissions could be shut down by September 6, 2025, if the company fails to comply with regulatory demands.
At the heart of the standoff is the Ministry’s request for comprehensive pricing data — including a breakdown of bouquet prices, applicable taxes, and comparative figures from at least six other African countries. The Ministry says this information is necessary to engage meaningfully with MultiChoice on reducing subscription fees for Ghanaian consumers.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Friday, August 15, Sector Minister Samuel Nartey George said MultiChoice had failed to honour the Ministry’s initial request, even after being granted an extension until Monday, August 11, 2025.
“They said they wanted to provide a consolidated response… but the suspension notice and the data request are separate issues. They failed to comply with the first request, and per the terms of their licence, we have the power to suspend in the interest of the public or on national security grounds. So, we invoked that clause,” Mr. George stated.
He confirmed that the Ministry has already suspended the company’s licence and imposed a statutory fine of GHC10,000, which began accruing daily from Friday, August 15.
Mr. George added that if MultiChoice does not comply by the September deadline, the government will have no choice but to pull DStv off-air in Ghana.
Background
The Ministry’s directive is part of a broader push to ensure transparency and fairness in Ghana’s pay-TV sector, where consumers have long complained about high subscription fees compared to neighbouring countries.
MultiChoice has argued for a consolidated response to both the Ministry’s data request and its suspension notice, but the government insists the two matters are distinct and must be addressed separately.
This confrontation comes at a time when consumer advocacy groups have intensified calls for regulatory action to curb what they describe as “unjustified hikes” in subscription rates, particularly in the face of economic challenges.
If no resolution is reached, Ghana could see a total blackout of DStv services by early September, a move that would affect millions of subscribers across the country.
Please download our HOTDIGITAL ONLINE APP and follow HotDigital Online on our social media platforms to stay updated on our upcoming initiatives.
#HotDigitalHealthAwareness #CommunityHealth #GhanaNursesAssociationUK #HealthMatters #HotDigitalOnline #StrongerTogether
