DSTV licence to be suspended by August 7 if it fails to reduce prices in Ghana

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a firm warning to DSTV, stating that the broadcaster’s licence could be suspended by Wednesday, August 7, if it fails to reduce its subscription prices in Ghana.

According to him, Ghanaians have endured unfair pricing for far too long, and decisive action must be taken to protect consumers.

Speaking during the Government Accountability Series on Friday, August 1, the Minister announced that he had officially directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to begin the process of suspending DSTV’s broadcasting licence should the company fail to comply with pricing regulations.

“I have directed the NCA to act swiftly. If by the 7th of August DSTV has not complied, their broadcasting licence will be suspended,” Mr George declared.

He disclosed that the move follows DSTV’s recent response to government concerns, where the company defended its pricing by referencing economic challenges, including what it claims is a 200% depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi over the past eight years.

Mr George, however, rejected this justification, describing it as an excuse that does not reflect the reality of market fairness.

“My fidelity and that of the ministy and the government of President Mahama is to the Ghanaian people”. They have been cheated for years, and it is time we put an end to that,” he asserted.

He stressed that the government is determined to ensure fairness and affordability in the digital services space, and DSTV must either comply or face regulatory consequences.