DStv Shutdown to Proceed, Minister Warns MultiChoice Ghana
The DStv shutdown to proceed if the company fails to engage in price reduction talks. In fact, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a final warning. This development follows a dramatic standoff. Earlier, MultiChoice Ghana rejected claims it agreed to slash DStv subscription prices. The government, nevertheless, established a new joint committee for potential reductions. A statement from the pay-TV operator, however, clarified its position on Friday. Meanwhile, the company affirmed its commitment to dialogue. MultiChoice Ghana, however, stressed no decision has been made on lowering fees. This clarification directly contradicted earlier statements by the Minister.
Minister George, furthermore, announced a five-member committee. This group included the Ministry, the regulator (NCA), MultiChoice Ghana, and MultiChoice Africa. The committee’s purpose was to recommend a suitable price reduction strategy. Still, MultiChoice’s statement created significant confusion. Reacting on Facebook, the Minister remained firm. He insisted MultiChoice had initially indicated its willingness to engage. The company, furthermore, had requested a suspension of enforcement actions. However, if MultiChoice now changed its position, the government would enforce regulatory measures.
“Let me be clear, I have no intention to continue tolerating the disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv,” Mr. George wrote. “If MultiChoice is not interested, as they claim in their last statement, in discussing a reduction in prices as they had indicated to me, we would proceed to effect the DStv shutdown to proceed tomorrow as indicated.” He stressed that no company operates above the law. Therefore, he urged MultiChoice to return to the negotiation table if it was truly ready to discuss price reductions. “Until then, there is nothing for us to meet over,” he added. “The NCA would carry out enforcement.” Mr. George further stressed that Ghana welcomes businesses. However, companies must always respect the country’s laws.
The standoff between the government and MultiChoice has, in fact, intensified in recent weeks. Regulators earlier directed a statutory fine of GHS10,000 per day against the company. This action was for failing to submit required pricing data. The ministry also warned that DStv risked a license suspension. This could happen if subscription fees were not reduced by September 6. This threat highlights the government’s firm stance. The situation remains tense.
Source: CitiNewsroom
