The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has begun applying a statutory fine of GHC 10,000 per day effective August 15, 2025, to MultiChoice Ghana (DSTV) for failing to submit critical pricing information requested under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA).
The Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), announced this yesterday when he had a meeting with the DSTV team at the Ministry.
He mentioned that the data — including a breakdown of bouquet prices, tax components, and comparisons with at least six other African countries — was requested to support a meaningful engagement on reducing subscription fees for Ghanaian customers.
According to the Minister, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, DSTV had been granted an extension until Monday, 11 August 2025, to submit the information but failed to meet the deadline.
“The regulator informed me that you requested an extension until Monday. Under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA), every day that an operator fails to provide requested information attracts a GHC 10,000 penalty. I agreed to wait until Monday rather than starting charges immediately, as the difference of a few days was not critical at that stage,” he explained.
The Ministry had earlier indicated that if no price reduction was achieved by 6 September 2025, DSTV’s operating licence could be suspended. This followed the company’s refusal to commit to lowering subscription fees, despite the ministry’s proposals.
“However, as of today’s meeting, the regulator has confirmed that the requested information has still not been provided. This makes it impossible to have a meaningful engagement, as the data we need to justify or challenge your pricing has not been submitted. From today, therefore, the Ministry will begin applying the statutory fine of GHC 10,000 per day until the full information is received, the Minister added.
Hon. Nartey George stressed that the request for information is separate from ongoing stakeholder engagement, saying that “The law is clear, and we will enforce it. If necessary, we can freeze accounts to protect consumer interests.”
The minister also noted that once the data is submitted, an objective review will be conducted. “If the evidence shows taxes are the sole reason for high prices, I will advocate for a tax review. If not, we expect DSTV to comply with our directive to make subscriptions more affordable, he noted.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
