MultiChoice Ghana has rejected claims that it has agreed to reduce DStv subscription fees, despite the government’s announcement of a joint committee tasked with determining possible reductions.
The denial comes after the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations confirmed that it had formed a committee with MultiChoice Ghana, MultiChoice Africa, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and the Ministry itself to review pricing.
Minister Sam Nartey George had earlier stated that MultiChoice had “finally accepted that there will be a reduction” and that discussions were ongoing to determine the extent of the cut. However, MultiChoice Ghana insists no such agreement has been reached, stressing that negotiations are still in progress.
The development follows weeks of standoff between the government and the pay-TV operator, after regulators demanded a 30% cut in subscription fees. MultiChoice was also hit with a GH¢10,000 daily fine for failing to submit pricing data as required under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA).
While government has given the joint committee 14 days to reach a decision, MultiChoice has maintained that its operations are subject to broader market conditions and cost structures that require careful assessment before any commitments can be made.
Meanwhile, consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the government’s intervention, arguing that subscription costs remain high compared to other African countries. The committee is expected to present a final strategy on pricing later this month.
Source – My News Ghana
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