MultiChoice unfair pricing in Ghana receives attention
For example, the premium DStv package costs about $82.40 in Ghana, whereas it is much cheaper in countries like Liberia ($61), Angola ($33), and Nigeria ($29). Despite Ghana's cedi appreciating over 40% in early 2025, DStv has refused to reduce prices.
The issue of unfair pricing by DStv in Ghana has attracted significant government and public attention in 2025. Ghana’s Communications Minister, Samuel Nartey George, has strongly criticized MultiChoice Ghana, the operator of DStv, for charging notably higher subscription fees than in neighboring countries, which he views as exploitative and unjust. For example, the premium DStv package costs about $82.40 in Ghana, whereas it is much cheaper in countries like Liberia ($61), Angola ($33), and Nigeria ($29). Despite Ghanaian Cedi appreciating over 40% since early 2025, DStv has refused to reduce prices. If this is not exploitation, what could this be; we wait to hear from the organisation.
Minister Sam George demanded a 30% reduction in subscription fees, warning that failure to comply by August 7, 2025, would lead to the suspension of DStv’s broadcasting license under the country’s Electronic Communications Act. MultiChoice Ghana has rejected this proposal, citing economic conditions and the need to maintain service quality, but the Minister rejects their rationale and insists their pricing is unfair and exploitative of Ghanaian consumers.
| Package | Ghana | Nigeria | Liberia | Angola | Botswana | Eswantini | South Africa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 34.5m | 233m | 5.6m | 37.9m | 2.5m | 1.3m | 64m |
| Premium | $82.40 | $29.00 | $61.00 | $33.00 | $61.00 | $52.00 | $51.00 |
| Compact Plus | $54.30 | $19.60 | $36.00 | $27.00 | $43.00 | $35.00 | $34.00 |
| Compact | $36.20 | $12.40 | $23.00 | $18.00 | $33.00 | $27.00 | $25.00 |
| Family | $18.10 | $4.80 | $13.00 | $11.00 | $21.00 | $19.00 | $18.10 |
| Access | $9.45 | $2.70 | $8.00 | $6.00 | $10.00 | $9.00 | $7.60 |
| Padi Basic | $5.60 | $1.95 | $6.36 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $4.00 | $1.60 |
The controversy has garnered broad public and political support for the Minister’s position. A Presidential Staffer, Nana Yaa Jantuah, publicly criticized the pricing and called DStv’s content outdated and not worth the high fees. The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for both the Minister and MultiChoice Ghana to be summoned for dialogue to resolve the dispute diplomatically and fairly, emphasizing consumer protection and economic realities.
The government is prepared to take regulatory action through the National Communications Authority (NCA), potentially suspending DStv’s license if they fail to reduce prices as demanded. MultiChoice Ghana’s resistance has been portrayed as prioritizing profits over the welfare of Ghanaian consumers, leading to calls for accountability and fairness in pricing.
The DStv pricing dispute in Ghana revolves around allegations of unfairly high subscription fees compared to other African countries, government intervention demanding a 30% price cut, and MultiChoice’s refusal to comply, with regulatory consequences imminent. The issue has sparked widespread consumer, political, and media attention, highlighting tensions between corporate profit motives and consumer rights in Ghana’s media landscape.
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