Tuesday, 09 September

Minister warns DStv over pricing dispute, threatens 'showdown'

General News
Sam Nartey George

The Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, Mr Sam George, has issued a strong warning to pay-TV operator MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, over what he describes as “disrespect to Ghanaians” regarding subscription pricing.

Speaking on Friday on X , the Minister said his outfit would not hesitate to enforce a shutdown of DStv services if MultiChoice fails to honour commitments to discuss possible price reductions.

“Let me be clear, I have no intention to continue tolerating the disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv,” he declared.

“If MultiChoice is not interested, as they claim in their last statement, in discussing a reduction in prices as they had indicated to me, we would proceed to effect the shutdown tomorrow as indicated.”

According to the Minister, MultiChoice had earlier signalled its willingness to engage the Ministry on pricing concerns and requested a suspension of enforcement actions.

However, he said the company’s latest statement suggests a shift in position, which leaves the government with no option but to act.

“No company is above the law. When MultiChoice is ready to discuss a price reduction, they can come to the negotiation table. Until then, there is nothing for us to meet over,” he warned, adding that the National Communications Authority (NCA) would carry out enforcement if necessary.

 

The Minister reaffirmed that Ghana remains open to business but stressed that all companies must respect national laws and institutions.

Source: classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah