Former Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar has raised concerns that the ongoing public spat between the Government of Ghana and MultiChoice Ghana over DStv subscription fees could damage the country’s appeal to foreign investors.
Speaking on Prime Insights on Joy Prime TV, Madam Abubakar cautioned that the open confrontation risks undermining investor confidence at a time when Ghana is actively seeking foreign direct investment (FDI).
“We should bear in mind that some of these negotiations can happen, and results can be achieved, without necessarily having social media banter and without putting cameras on it to show who is right,” she said. “This spectacle is not good for the image of a country like Ghana that is seeking to attract a lot of FDIs.”
She argued that a more discreet negotiation process, followed by a simple announcement of a successful agreement, would have built public confidence and excitement instead of the current drawn-out battle of accusations and denials.
Her comments come amid heightened tensions between the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations and MultiChoice Ghana over demands for a 30% reduction in subscription fees.
On Friday night, Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George issued what he described as a final warning to the satellite television giant, threatening to shut down its operations today if it failed to engage in negotiations over pricing.
In a strongly worded post on social media, Mr. George accused the company of disrespecting Ghanaians and reneging on its earlier commitment to discuss tariff reductions.
“I have no intention to continue tolerating the disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv,” the minister stated, adding that if MultiChoice was no longer interested in negotiations, the government would enforce its regulatory mandate.
The standoff, which has been ongoing for weeks, has drawn widespread public attention as consumers continue to complain about the high cost of satellite television services.
Source – My News Ghana
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