MultiChoice Ghana has rejected calls by Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, to slash DStv subscription fees, arguing that such a move is economically unfeasible given current market conditions.
This comes after Mr. George, during the Government Accountability Series held on Friday, August 1, directed the NCA to revoke MultiChoice Ghana’s licence if the company failed to reduce its subscription prices by 30% within a week — citing concerns of unfair pricing amid a stabilising cedi.
However, in statement issued on Sunday, August 3, and signed by Managing Director Alex Okyere, the company said it regrets the Minister’s position and described his ultimatum to the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend MultiChoice’s broadcasting licence by August 7 as disappointing, especially in light of ongoing attempts to resolve the issue amicably.
“It is regrettable that the Honourable Minister has taken this stance, notwithstanding our ongoing endeavours to engage with the Honourable Minister candidly and in good faith on this important matter,” the company said.
But MultiChoice insists that while the cedi has shown signs of recovery, it is unrealistic to expect drastic fee cuts under current economic pressures.
The company denied ever describing the currency’s rebound as a “fluke” but maintained that a reduction “in the manner proposed by the Minister” was not tenable.
“While we appreciate the recent appreciation of the Cedi (which we have never referred to as a “fluke”), it is not tenable to reduce the DStv subscription fees in the manner proposed by the Minister.”
“MultiChoice values its subscribers and endeavours at all times to keep DStv subscription fees as low as possible, despite the extremely challenging competitive and macro-economic environment in which we operate, without compromising on customer choice and the quality of the services we offer,” the statement read.
The company revealed it had already submitted a fresh proposal to both the Minister and the NCA outlining a possible path for further dialogue and engagement.
The pay-TV giant reaffirmed its commitment to complying with Ghanaian laws and called on regulatory authorities to uphold a balanced and lawful approach.
Read the statement below
