By: Belinda Nketia
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has begun enforcing a statutory fine of GHC10,000 per day on MultiChoice Ghana (DSTV) for failing to submit pricing information requested under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA). The penalty took effect on Friday, August 15, 2025.
Sector Minister, Samuel Nartey George (MP) disclosed the move during a meeting with the DSTV team at the Ministry on Thursday. He said the data, including a breakdown of bouquet prices, tax components, and comparisons with at least six other African countries, is needed to guide talks aimed at reducing subscription fees for Ghanaian consumers.
According to the Minister, DSTV was granted an extension until Monday, August 11, 2025, to provide the information but failed to meet the deadline. “The regulator informed me that you requested an extension until Monday. Under the ECA, every day that an operator fails to provide requested information attracts a GHC 10,000 penalty. I agreed to wait until Monday, but as of today, the data has still not been provided,” he stated.
The Ministry had earlier warned that DSTV’s operating license could be suspended if no price reduction agreement is reached by September 6, 2025. The company has so far refused to commit to lowering fees, despite government proposals.
“This makes it impossible to have a meaningful engagement, as the data we need to justify or challenge your pricing has not been submitted. From today, the Ministry will begin applying the statutory fine of GHC 10,000 per day until the full information is received,” Hon. Nartey George said.
The sector minister has said that the request for information is separate from stakeholder discussions and that accounts could be frozen if necessary to protect consumers. Once the data is received, he added, an objective review will determine whether high subscription costs are tax-driven or the result of company pricing policies.
“If the evidence shows taxes are the sole reason for high prices, I will advocate for a tax review. If not, we expect DSTV to comply with our directive to make subscriptions more affordable,” he concluded.
