Hot SourceThe National Communications Authority (NCA) has formally notified Multichoice Ghana Limited, the operators of DSTV, of its intention to suspend the company’s authorisation to operate its Pay TV service in the country.
The move, announced yesterday, Thursday, August 7, concerns Multichoice’s Subscription Management Service for its Satellite Television Broadcasting (Direct-to-Home Bouquet) and stems from growing concerns about the company’s pricing structure.
Many believe that Multichoice Ghana is engaged in price exploitation, taking unfair advantage of consumers by charging excessively high prices, mainly because Ghanaians have little or no choice but to pay. The company has often used the size of the Ghanaian market and its low subscriber base as a shield.
In a statement issued in Accra, the NCA cited Section 13 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), as the legal basis for its intended action.
It stated that the current pricing model employed by Multichoice Ghana is “deemed inimical to the public interest,” prompting regulatory scrutiny.
The Authority did not immediately disclose the specific aspects of the pricing model that triggered the move, but industry observers have pointed to recent public complaints about frequent and steep subscription fee increases.
As required by law, the NCA has given Multichoice Ghana thirty (30) days to respond. During this period, the company may present its position, offer remedial actions, and submit a written statement of objections to the impending suspension.
The development marks a significant turning point in the regulatory relationship between the NCA and one of Ghana’s most prominent pay television providers.
“This notice is part of a fair and transparent regulatory process aimed at ensuring that service providers operate in a manner that protects the interests of consumers,” the statement noted.
If the suspension proceeds, it could disrupt access to popular satellite TV services for thousands of subscribers across the country. However, the Authority emphasised that its actions are guided by a responsibility to uphold the public interest and protect consumers from exploitative practices.
Multichoice Ghana is yet to issue a formal response to the notice. In the meantime, the NCA has encouraged calm among subscribers and assured the public that it remains committed to regulating the communications industry fairly and responsibly.
Further updates are expected once the company submits its response within the stipulated timeframe.
Ahead of the NCA’s statement, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam George, reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing regulatory measures against Multichoice Ghana, the operator of DStv, over what he described as unfair and excessive subscription charges imposed on Ghanaian consumers.
His comments come at a time of growing public frustration over DStv’s pricing model in Ghana, with many customers decrying the cost disparity between Ghana and neighbouring markets such as Nigeria.
The issue has sparked broader debate, with members of the Minority in Parliament also calling for intervention.
While the Minority has proposed a diplomatic route involving dialogue between the Ministry, Multichoice Ghana, and the NCA, the Minister maintains that regulatory enforcement remains necessary and will proceed as planned.
In a statement issued on Sunday, 3 August, Multichoice described the Minister’s directive to the NCA instructing a suspension of the company’s broadcasting licence as “regrettable”.
The company argued that further price reductions are not feasible given Ghana’s economic conditions and the costs involved in delivering its services.
However, Sam George dismissed the company’s justification as out of touch with the economic hardships facing Ghanaians.
In a Facebook post on Monday, August 4, he acknowledged the Minority’s appeal for dialogue but insisted that regulatory measures would proceed as scheduled.
“On the 7th of August, the Regulator would initiate action in line with the terms of the licence authorisation and the Electronic Communications Act, Act 775. We would act within the law and in the interest of the Ghanaian people. The RESET agenda demands this action for sanity to prevail,” he explained.
He further assured that the Ministry would provide a complete update to the Parliamentary Committee overseeing the matter once the regulatory steps have been completed.
“I remain accountable to the people of Ghana in my service as Minister,” he added. “I can assure the Committee as a whole that the Ministry will provide a full update when we complete our regulatory actions on 7 August.”
The post NCA draws closer to suspend DSTV’s license over price exploitation appeared first on The Herald ghana.
