The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has begun imposing a daily fine of GHC 10,000 on MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DSTV, for failing to submit pricing data requested under the Electronic Communications Act. The penalty takes effect on Thursday, August 15, 2025.
Sector Minister Samuel Nartey George announced the sanction during a meeting with DSTV officials in Accra. The Ministry had demanded detailed information on bouquet prices, tax components, and comparative subscription charges from at least six African countries. According to the Minister, the data was necessary to guide ongoing discussions on reducing subscription fees for Ghanaian consumers.
DSTV was initially given until August 11, 2025, to submit the documents after requesting an extension. “The regulator informed me that you asked for more time until Monday. By law, every day that an operator fails to provide requested information attracts a GHC 10,000 fine. I agreed to wait until Monday rather than start charging immediately,” Mr. Nartey George said.
He added that the failure to submit the data had stalled negotiations. “As of today, the regulator has confirmed that the information is still outstanding. This makes it impossible to have a meaningful engagement, so the statutory fine will apply daily until we receive everything,” he stated.
The Ministry had earlier warned that if DSTV failed to reduce subscription fees by September 6, 2025, its operating license could be suspended. This warning followed the company’s refusal to commit to a price cut despite proposals from the Ministry.
The Minister stressed that the demand for data was a separate legal obligation from the broader stakeholder engagement. “The law is clear, and we will enforce it. If necessary, we can freeze accounts to protect consumers,” he warned.
Mr. Nartey George assured that once the figures are submitted, they will be reviewed objectively. “If the data shows taxes are the sole reason for high prices, I will push for a tax review. If not, DSTV must comply with our directive to make subscriptions more affordable,” he concluded.
