The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel George, has issued a September 6 deadline to MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, to reduce its subscription charges or risk having its license revoked. Speaking at the Digital Africa Summit in Accra, Mr. George emphasised that the government is committed to ensuring fair pricing for Ghanaian consumers, reflecting recent improvements in the country’s economic conditions.
“They have up to the 6th of September. If by that time there is no resolution, we will shut down the operations of MultiChoice. No company, no corporate entity is more powerful than the collective interest of the Ghanaian people,” he stated. According to the minister, the government will meet with MultiChoice tomorrow to finalise discussions on the matter. Mr. George disclosed that the company has failed to comply with requests from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to submit critical pricing data as required under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA).
“Fifteen or sixteen days ago, I met with MultiChoice and imposed a GH¢10,000 daily fine on them. So now, they owe us between GH¢150,000 and GH¢170,000. The NCA will collect the money,” he revealed. He added that all attempts to get MultiChoice to reduce its subscription fees by 30 percent have been unsuccessful.
“I have engaged them and asked them to do a 30 percent reduction in line with improved economic conditions in the country, but they have failed to comply,” the minister said.
Source: Joy Business
