Multichoice Ghana's Pay-TV authorization faces potential suspension within 30 days due to pricing disputes, as indicated by the National Communications Authority (NCA) notice.
The Ghanaian National Communications Authority (NCA) has issued a notice to Multichoice Ghana Limited, the operator of the popular DStv and GOtv services, signalling a potential suspension of its authorization to operate its subscription-based satellite Pay TV service in Ghana. This regulatory action is due to concerns about Multichoice's pricing model, which the NCA believes is "inimical to the public interest" and potentially harmful to consumers[1][2].
The 30-day period, starting August 7, 2025, has been given to Multichoice Ghana to respond with views, objections, or remedial actions to address the NCA's concerns. If the company fails to respond adequately within this stipulated period, the NCA could move forward with suspending the company's license to operate its Pay TV Direct-to-Home bouquet service in Ghana[1][2].
The regulatory scrutiny over pricing in Ghana's media and telecom sectors is increasing, as indicated by the NCA's decision. This heightened level of regulatory oversight is aimed at ensuring fair, transparent, and consumer-protective practices[2]. The NCA has communicated its intention to suspend Multichoice Ghana Limited's authorization, signalling a significant development in Ghana's media and telecom regulatory landscape[1][2].
Multichoice has insisted it is committed to maintaining affordable prices without compromising service quality and has proposed further engagement with the government and regulators to resolve the matter amicably[4]. The ongoing debate has escalated calls from the government, including the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, who directed the NCA to suspend Multichoice's license if price reductions were not implemented by August 7. Multichoice rejected the minister's directive but remains open to negotiation[5].
Meanwhile, Canal+, the French media entity acquiring Multichoice, has expressed willingness to engage with Ghanaian authorities post-acquisition to settle the dispute and align operations with local regulatory expectations[3][5]. As of mid-August 2025, Multichoice Ghana continues to operate while the 30-day statutory response window is active, which ends around September 6. The suspension or revocation of its license remains possible pending the company's response and subsequent regulatory decision. This situation underscores heightened regulatory enforcement over foreign media operators in Ghana’s Pay TV market, particularly regarding pricing policies deemed unfavorable to consumers[1][3][5].
[1] Myjoyonline.com. (2025). NCA issues notice to Multichoice Ghana over pricing. Retrieved from https://www.myjoyonline.com/business/2025/august-7th/nca-issues-notice-to-multichoice-ghana-over-pricing.php
[2] Graphic Online. (2025). NCA to suspend Multichoice Ghana's authorization over pricing concerns. Retrieved from https://graphic.com.gh/business/business-news/nca-to-suspend-multichoice-ghana-s-authorization-over-pricing-concerns.html
[3] Joy News. (2025). Canal+ willing to negotiate with Ghana over Multichoice's pricing. Retrieved from https://www.myjoyonline.com/business/2025/august-12th/canal-willing-to-negotiate-with-ghana-over-multichoice-s-pricing.php
[4] Citi FM. (2025). Multichoice Ghana responds to NCA over pricing concerns. Retrieved from https://www.citifmonline.com/business/business-news/194878-multichoice-ghana-responds-to-nca-over-pricing-concerns
[5] Ghana Web. (2025). Sam George directs NCA to suspend Multichoice Ghana's license. Retrieved from https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Sam-George-directs-NCA-to-suspend-Multichoice-Ghana-s-license-864184
Policy-and-legislation in Ghana's media and telecom sectors is undergoing change, as indicated by the NCA's decision to potentially suspend Multichoice Ghana's authorization. This move reflects growing concerns in politics over pricing models deemed harmful to consumers, which touches on the general-news category.
The ongoing dispute between the NCA and Multichoice Ghana highlights the importance of politics in shaping policy-and-legislation and the potential implications these decisions can have on businesses operating within the telecom and media sectors. It is an issue of general-news interest for Ghanaian citizens due to the potential impact on the affordability of Pay TV services.
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