The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has commenced enforcing a statutory fine of GH¢10,000 per day, effective August 15, 2025, against MultiChoice Ghana (DStv) for failing to provide critical pricing data requested under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA).
The announcement was made by Sector Minister, Samuel Nartey George (MP), during a meeting with the DStv team at the Ministry.
According to him, the requested details—including a breakdown of bouquet prices, tax components, and comparisons with at least six other African countries—were essential for constructive discussions on reducing subscription fees for Ghanaian customers.
DStv had been granted an extension until Monday, August 11, 2025, to submit the data, but missed the deadline.
“The regulator informed me that you requested an extension until Monday. Under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA), every day an operator fails to provide requested information attracts a GHC 10,000 penalty. I agreed to wait until Monday rather than start charges immediately, as the difference of a few days was not critical at that stage,” he explained.
The Ministry had earlier warned that DSTV’s operating license could be suspended if no price reduction was agreed by September 6, 2025. This came after the company declined to commit to lowering subscription fees despite proposals from the Ministry.
“However, as of today’s meeting, the regulator has confirmed that the requested information has still not been provided. This makes it impossible to have a meaningful engagement, as the data we need to justify or challenge your pricing has not been submitted. From today, therefore, the Ministry will begin applying the statutory fine of GH¢10,000 per day until the full information is received,” the Minister added.
Sam George clarified that the information request is distinct from ongoing stakeholder engagement.
“The law is clear, and we will enforce it. If necessary, we can freeze accounts to protect consumer interests,” he stated.
He also assured that an objective review would follow once the data is received.
“If the evidence shows taxes are the sole reason for high prices, I will advocate for a tax review. If not, we expect DSTV to comply with our directive to make subscriptions more affordable,” he noted.
