Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has sounded a bold warning to satellite TV giant DSTV, threatening to suspend the company’s broadcasting licence by August 7, 2025, if it fails to slash its subscription rates to match regional standards.
Addressing the public during the Government Accountability Series on Friday, August 1, the Minister said he had officially written to the National Communications Authority (NCA), directing them to take decisive action if DSTV fails to comply.
“I wrote back to the NCA on Monday and directed them to suspend the broadcasting licence of DSTV effective 7th August, 2025, if they fail to reduce their bundle prices,” the Minister revealed.
He expressed deep concern over what he described as a long-standing pattern of exploitation of Ghanaian subscribers, noting that the cost of accessing DSTV in Ghana is significantly higher than in other African countries, even where economic conditions are more challenging.
“The same premium bouquet Ghanaians pay $83 for is offered to Nigerians for just $29. How can anyone justify that?” he asked.
Samuel George emphasised that currency depreciation cannot be used as an excuse, pointing out that Nigeria’s naira has suffered a far worse decline than Ghana’s cedi, yet DSTV continues to charge Ghanaians more.
“They say the cedi has depreciated by 240%, but in that same period, the naira has depreciated by 409%. If Nigerians are paying $29, Ghanaians shouldn’t be paying almost triple.”
Describing DSTV’s pricing model as “plain stealing,” the Minister declared that he would not stand by while Ghanaian consumers are short-changed. “Enough of the mistreatment. They must comply or lose their licence. The Ghanaian people deserve fairness
