Ghana’s Communications Minister, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a stern warning to MultiChoice, threatening to shut down DStv operations in the country if the South African-owned media giant fails to reduce its subscription fees.
The ultimatum follows a public disagreement between the Minister and MultiChoice over whether the company had agreed to lower prices after a 30-day deadline set by Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA).
While MultiChoice requested an additional 30 days to complete internal consultations, Minister George rejected the appeal, arguing that Ghanaian consumers should no longer endure what he described as “exploitative” pricing. In a late-night social media post, he emphasized that no foreign company is above Ghanaian law.
“Let me be clear, I have no intention to continue tolerating the disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv. If they have changed their position, then we simply would enforce the regulatory action,” George stated.
Diplomatic Ripples
The Minister’s hardline stance has sparked concern within diplomatic circles. Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin A. Quashie, cautioned that the move could be perceived as a trade dispute between the two nations. He noted that Ghanaian diplomats working to attract foreign investment are now facing tough questions from South African business leaders.
“You have an election to win, you have a grassroots to satisfy, and then you have investors also who would bring in the cash. That is where we need to go into this with diplomacy,” Quashie told JoyNews.
Quashie revealed that his office has received calls from anxious investors, some of whom fear Ghana may be heading toward a trade war. He referenced the abrupt exits of retail giants Shoprite and Game, warning that confrontations like this could discourage multinational companies that provide jobs and economic opportunities in Ghana.
MultiChoice Responds
MultiChoice has not outright rejected the call for price reductions. Instead, the company insists it needs more time to adjust its billing systems. According to Quashie:
“MultiChoice is not saying ‘we won’t reduce.’ They are asking for an extended timeline. The minister says ‘no.’ This will only be solved in the boardroom.”
Seeking a Middle Ground
Behind the scenes, diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister has reportedly engaged her South African counterpart in hopes of reaching a negotiated settlement.
For now, the standoff between the Ghanaian government and MultiChoice has raised broader concerns about regulatory overreach.
With DStv seen as a symbol of South African investment in Ghana, the outcome of this dispute could send a powerful message to international investors considering entry or expansion in the country.
Source: Africafeeds.com
