The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has publicly criticised MultiChoice Ghana for what he describes as a continued disregard for the economic concerns of Ghanaians, following the company's rejection of his proposal to reduce DStv subscription fees by 30 per cent.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, the minister took aim at MultiChoice, operators of DStv, for what he said was a lack of seriousness in addressing the financial pressures facing Ghanaian consumers. He accused the company of treating Ghanaians with less respect than it accords other African markets, pointing to its decision to suspend price hikes in Nigeria after legal and parliamentary interventions.

“I have read the release by DStv Ghana and taken full consideration that they vindicate my earlier position that they simply do not take the Ghanaian people serious enough,” Mr George wrote. “The same Group operating in Nigeria reversed price increases in Nigeria when the Nigerian authorities sued them. The Nigerian House of Representatives took the matter up and ordered a suspension of the increases. They complied.”

Mr George said DStv’s recent 15 percent price increase in April 2025 was indefensible, especially at a time when the Ghanaian cedi had appreciated by 10 percent, inflation had dropped significantly, and fuel prices had declined.

He further revealed that DStv had presented him with an alternative proposal during negotiations — an arrangement which would allow the company to maintain current subscription fees while suspending the repatriation of revenues to its headquarters. The minister, however, flatly rejected the offer.

“They proposed that I allow them maintain the collection of the exorbitant bouquet prices as they stand but order them not to send the revenue to their headquarters. In all honesty, that offer lacks any logic in my estimation,” he stated. “The essence of my action is to see Ghanaians pay a fair price for the services offered. How does this proposal solve the real issue?”

Reiterating his stance, Mr George said that his advocacy is rooted in fairness and consumer protection, not mere political grandstanding. He underscored the need for a new era of public service that holds corporations accountable to the Ghanaian people.

“For far too long, corporations have fleeced the Ghanaian people. There has been a RESET and it demands a new style of public service that is fiercely protective of the Ghanaian people,” he wrote. While acknowledging the potential impact on local employees of DStv, the minister encouraged them to support the broader call for justice and equity.

He concluded by stressing that his doors remain open to discussions with MultiChoice, but only if they centre on reducing prices. “I remain open to ‘constructive engagements’ that are centred on PRICE REDUCTION. Anything else is tangential and of no consequence. For God and Country.”

His comments come just days after he issued an ultimatum to MultiChoice, demanding that the company implement the 30 per cent price reduction by August 7, or risk the suspension of its broadcasting licence in Ghana.

MultiChoice, in an earlier statement signed by its Managing Director Alex Okyere, described the proposed cut as “not tenable,” arguing that subscription fees must reflect the economic environment and service quality. The company warned that a forced reduction could lead to job losses and diminished service offerings.

It added that while it appreciated the cedi’s recent strength, the business realities do not support a 30 per cent price drop. MultiChoice maintains that it is open to further dialogue and remains committed to operating within Ghana’s regulatory framework.

As the deadline approaches, tensions between the government and MultiChoice continue to build, with many Ghanaian consumers closely watching the unfolding standoff.