The pay-TV operator MultiChoice Ghana says it cannot reduce DStv subscription fees as demanded by the Minister of Communications, Samuel Nartey George.
It cites what it describes as “extremely challenging” economic and industry conditions – despite recent improvements in the value of the Ghanaian cedi.
In a statement released on Sunday (3 August) the company responded to recent comments by the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, who has called publicly for a review of DStv pricing structure following the strengthening of the local currency.
MultiChoice says while it appreciates the cedi’s recent gains, a blanket reduction in prices is “not tenable” under current market realities.
“We have never referred to the appreciation of the cedi as a ‘fluke’,” the company said, “but it is not realistic to reduce subscription fees in the manner proposed by the minister.”
The company said it had already opened discussions with the minister and the National Communications Authority (NCA), proposing alternative paths to resolve the DStv impasse.
“We are committed to working together with the Honourable Minister and the NCA to resolve this matter,” said Alex Okyere, managing director of MultiChoice Ghana.
MultiChoice, which has operated in Ghana for over 30 years, said it remained mindful of the livelihoods of its local employees, agents, installers and partners, noting that any hasty policy shift on pricing for its services could have unintended consequences.
The company insists it has always strived to keep prices as low as possible without compromising content quality or viewer experience, despite operating in what it called a “challenging macroeconomic and competitive environment”.
Meanwhile, thousands of Ghanaian subscribers to DStv continue to call for more affordable pay-TV options amid growing concerns over the rising cost of living. Industry regulators are yet to make a formal pronouncement on next steps in the dispute.
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