Price Cut “Not Tenable” — MultiChoice Fires Back
MultiChoice Rejects Sam George’s Call to Slash DStv Prices
MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, has firmly dismissed calls by the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr Samuel Nartey George, to slash subscription fees, citing operational and economic realities.
In a statement released on Sunday, August 3, and signed by its Managing Director, Alex Okyere, MultiChoice emphasised its commitment to offering affordable pricing without sacrificing service quality. The company stressed that while it acknowledges the cedi’s recent appreciation, it is not feasible to implement the price reductions proposed by the Minister.
“MultiChoice values its subscribers and endeavours at all times to keep DStv subscription fees as low as possible, despite the extremely challenging competitive and macro-economic environment in which we operate,” the statement said. “It is not tenable to reduce the DStv subscription fees in the manner proposed by the Minister.”
The company described Sam George’s recent comments on the matter as “regrettable,” especially in light of ongoing discussions with the Ministry and the National Communications Authority (NCA). It clarified that at no point had it described the cedi’s appreciation as a “fluke,” as implied by the Minister during a press interaction on Friday, August 1.
MultiChoice revealed that it had already submitted proposals to both the Minister and the NCA to explore alternative measures and avoid any escalation.
“We are mindful of the dire implications that an impasse may have on you and your livelihoods, and we assure you that we are committed to working together with the Honourable Minister and the NCA to resolve this matter,” the statement noted, addressing both subscribers and local partners.
Operating in Ghana for over three decades, the company reiterated its commitment to law-abiding operations and constructive dialogue. “MultiChoice remains committed to constructive engagement with the Honourable Minister and to complying with all applicable laws and regulations in Ghana and trusts that the authorities will do likewise.”
This development follows Sam George’s issuance of an ultimatum on Friday, demanding that DStv reduce its subscription fees by August 7 to reflect the cedi’s gains or risk having its broadcasting licence suspended.
