The National Communications Authority (NCA) has taken a significant regulatory step against MultiChoice Ghana Limited, the operator of DSTV, for its contentious pricing model that has sparked widespread public criticism. In a notice served to the company, the NCA has stated its intention to suspend MultiChoice Ghana’s Subscription Management Service for Satellite Television Broadcasting (commonly known as Pay TV Direct-to-Home Bouquet) Authorisation under Section 13 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
This action follows growing concerns about repeated price increases implemented by DSTV Ghana, which many stakeholders — including the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation — have described as excessive and unjustified in the Ghanaian market context.
Background: Public Outcry Over DSTV Pricing
Over the past year, DSTV subscribers in Ghana have witnessed multiple increments in subscription fees across all packages — including Access, Family, Compact, Compact Plus, and Premium. These price hikes, which MultiChoice attributes to operational costs and foreign exchange volatility, have been met with strong resistance from both the public and government officials.
Many Ghanaians have taken to social media to express their frustrations, questioning why DSTV pricing in Ghana does not reflect the local economic environment. For instance, the same Premium bouquet that costs around GHS 650 in Ghana reportedly costs significantly less in neighbouring Nigeria, despite similar content offerings. This discrepancy has fuelled public sentiment that DSTV’s pricing strategy in Ghana is exploitative.
Government Intervention
In July 2025, Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, publicly condemned the pricing model of MultiChoice Ghana. She accused the company of imposing anti-consumer practices and failing to engage constructively with regulators on concerns raised by the ministry.
“The era where multinational media firms operate in Ghana without accountability to local laws and consumer protection standards is over,” she stated during a stakeholder media briefing.
Following the Minister’s concerns, the NCA initiated a formal review of DSTV’s operations and pricing mechanism.
NCA’s Regulatory Action
In the latest development, the NCA has invoked Section 13 of Act 775, which allows the authority to suspend or revoke licenses of electronic communication service providers that fail to comply with licensing conditions or engage in practices deemed harmful to public interest.
The NCA’s notice, served this week, gives MultiChoice Ghana thirty (30) days to respond. During this period, the company may present its views, provide remedial action, and submit a written statement of objection to the proposed suspension.
The suspension, if enforced, would significantly impact DSTV’s operations in Ghana — potentially halting new subscriptions, renewals, and service activations.
DSTV Ghana’s Response
As of the time of publishing, MultiChoice Ghana has not issued a formal public statement regarding the NCA’s notice. However, sources close to the company suggest that consultations with legal and regulatory teams are ongoing, and a formal response is expected within the stipulated 30-day period.
What’s Next for Subscribers?
The uncertainty surrounding this regulatory standoff has left many subscribers anxious. Should the NCA proceed with a suspension, it could disrupt DSTV’s service delivery, at least temporarily. However, the regulator has hinted that its priority remains to protect consumers and ensure that Pay TV services operate within a fair pricing framework.
In the interim, the NCA has urged subscribers to stay informed through official updates and has reassured the public that regulatory action is being pursued in accordance with due process and national interest.
Conclusion
The DSTV pricing controversy in Ghana underscores the growing importance of consumer protection in the country’s digital and broadcasting ecosystem. As the 30-day ultimatum clock ticks, all eyes will be on MultiChoice Ghana and its next course of action — one that could redefine its future in the Ghanaian Pay TV market.
