Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, has taken a bold step to protect Ghanaian consumers from what he describes as exploitation by pay-TV provider, DSTV.
The minister has directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend the broadcasting license of DSTV effective August 7, 2025, if the company fails to reduce its bundle prices.
Speaking firmly on the matter during Government Accountability series at the Presidency on Friday, August 1, 2025, the minister emphasized that his loyalty lies with the people of Ghana, not with corporations.
“As minister, my fidelity is the Ghanaian people. I have had to act in the interest of the Ghanaian people, and I believe that the Ghanaian people have been fleeced and exploited for too long.”
Hon. George revealed that he wrote to the NCA on Monday, instructing them to take action should DSTV continue to charge what he described as unfair and unbalanced prices.
“I wrote back to the NCA on Monday and directed the NCA in that letter to suspend the broadcasting license of DSTV effective 7th August 2025 if they fail to effect a reduction in their bundle prices.”
He strongly criticized the company for what he called “plain stealing” and insisted that such practices cannot continue under his watch.
“I cannot, as minister serving the Ghanaian people, continue to watch what can best be described as plain stealing happening to the Ghanaian people.”
Citing DSTV’s operations in other African countries, Sam George compared the pricing of DSTV’s premium bouquet, noting that Ghanaians are being charged significantly more than their Nigerian counterparts.
“In my letter to them, I gave them scenarios from seven markets that DSTV is operating in. The same content in the premium bouquet that is offered to Ghanaians for $83 equivalent is offered to Nigerians for $29 equivalent.”
He questioned the massive pricing disparity, especially given economic conditions in both countries.
“How can anyone explain this price disparity to me? Enough of the mistreatment of the Ghanaian consumer. They either comply with the reduction, because in Nigeria, in the same time frame that they say the Ghanaian cedi has depreciated by 240%, the Nigerian naira has depreciated by 409%.”
The minister concluded that if Nigerians are paying the equivalent of $29 for the same DSTV package, there is no justification for charging Ghanaians $83.
“If Nigerians are paying equivalent to $29, DSTV must charge the same here in Ghana or we will suspend their broadcasting license effective 7th August 2025.”
This directive signals a strong stance by the Ministry of Communications to ensure fair treatment and value for money for Ghanaian consumers.
