NCA Moves to Suspend Multichoice Over Subscription Fee Dispute
Multichoice Ghana, the operator behind the country’s DStv service, is now facing regulatory heat over what officials are calling unfair and unsustainable pricing. The National Communications Authority (NCA) has officially informed the company that it may suspend its license to offer satellite television subscription services — a direct consequence of ongoing tensions between Multichoice and Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George.
The clash has been building for weeks. The Minister has taken a firm stand against what he describes as exploitative subscription models that ignore the country’s economic reality. His directive to the NCA comes on the back of mounting criticism that DStv’s pricing structure places an undue burden on the average Ghanaian household.
Multichoice Ghana responded last week with a public statement expressing disappointment over the regulatory threat. The company claimed that further price reductions are not commercially viable under the current economic climate. But for the Minister, that explanation didn’t hold — he believes the company’s stance lacks awareness of the financial pressures ordinary Ghanaians are currently navigating.
Following this exchange, the NCA invoked Section 13 of Ghana’s Electronic Communications Act (Act 775), citing the need to safeguard public interest. The authority is now considering suspending Multichoice Ghana’s authorization to operate its direct-to-home subscription service. As required by law, the company has 30 days to respond with objections, offer remedies, or formally present its case.
The development adds weight to the broader public debate around foreign-operated digital services and the extent of local regulation. Public dissatisfaction with DStv pricing has been growing steadily, drawing attention not just from consumers but also from Parliament. While opposition members have called for dialogue, the Minister remains clear that enforcement will go forward.
This confrontation could mark a turning point in how Ghana regulates media services, especially in sectors dominated by multinational providers. Whether Multichoice can hold its ground or must restructure its operations to meet public expectations will become clearer after the 30-day response period ends.
For ongoing updates, visit nca.org.gh
