Ministry of Communications Imposes Daily Penalty on DSTV Ghana for Neglecting to Provide Pricing Information
Ghana Imposes Daily Fine on MultiChoice Ghana (DStv) for Pricing Data Omission
As of August 25, 2025, MultiChoice Ghana (DStv) is being fined GHC 10,000 daily starting from August 15, 2025, for failing to provide the requested pricing data under Ghana’s Electronic Communications Act (ECA). The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has emphasized that the data is essential to evaluate subscription fees and explore possible reductions.
MultiChoice missed the extended deadline of August 11, 2025, to submit this information, which triggered the imposition of the fines. The requested data includes a breakdown of bouquet (package) prices, tax components, and comparative pricing with at least six other African countries.
The comparative pricing demand is motivated by large disparities noted, such as the premium DStv package costing around US$83 in Ghana but only about US$29 in Nigeria, despite Ghana’s currency value appreciation.
The government’s approach is to first objectively review submitted data once provided. If taxes drive the high fees, the government may initiate tax reforms; otherwise, MultiChoice would be required to reduce subscription prices to fairer levels. The fines are legally mandated and separate from ongoing negotiations and attempts at price reductions. The Ministry even warned about potentially freezing MultiChoice’s accounts to protect consumers if necessary.
The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has confirmed that DStv has still not provided the requested information. The Minister has not specified a new deadline for the submission of the requested information, but has indicated that appropriate measures will be taken to make DStv subscriptions more affordable for Ghanaians.
| Aspect | Details | |-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Fine amount | GHC 10,000 daily starting August 15, 2025 | | Deadline for data submission | Initially August 11, 2025 (missed) | | Data requested | Bouquet prices, tax breakdown, and comparative pricing with ≥6 African countries | | Deadline for price reduction | September 6, 2025 (risk of license suspension)| | Pricing disparity example | $83 (Ghana) vs. $29 (Nigeria) for premium DStv package |
This ongoing regulatory action reflects Ghana’s intent to ensure transparent, fair pricing and consumer protection in pay-TV services. The penalty was announced during a meeting with the DSTv team at the Ministry. The Minister has not commented on the ongoing stakeholder engagements.
[1] Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations Press Release [2] Ghana Broadcasting Corporation News Article [3] Modern Ghana News Article [4] Citi FM News Article [5] Africanews.com Analysis
1. The ongoing regulatory action in Ghana's pay-TV services demonstrates a commitment to ensuring transparency, fair pricing, and consumer protection, as the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations imposes a daily fine of GHC 10,000 on MultiChoice Ghana (DStv) due to policy-and-legislation violations related to the omission of pricing data.
2. In the realm of politics and general-news, the standoff between the Ghanaian government and MultiChoice Ghana (DStv) over pricing data has escalated, with the government leveraging technology to regulate the pay-TV industry and potentially reduce subscription costs for consumers, a development closely monitored by policy-and-legislation experts and general news outlets alike.
