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The Minority caucus in Parliament has declared its firm support for Ghanaians protesting the high cost of DSTV subscription packages in the country, describing the grievances as valid and long overdue.
In a statement released on Sunday, August 3, and signed by Kpandai MP Matthew Nyindam, the caucus backed growing public demands for fairer pricing by MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DSTV, and called for an immediate halt to the media confrontation between the company and the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George.
Their statement follows an escalating dispute between the ministry and MultiChoice over the company’s refusal to reduce subscription fees despite a recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi and a drop in inflation. The minister had earlier described MultiChoice’s justification for maintaining high fees as “illogical” and dismissed the company’s proposal to withhold local revenue without reducing prices.
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MultiChoice Ghana, in a statement signed by Managing Director Alex Okyere, argued that a reduction in DSTV rates was not feasible under current conditions, dismissing claims that they had described the cedi’s recovery as a “fluke.”
The minority described the situation as “regrettable” and cautioned that continued public sparring between the two parties risks damaging investor confidence and consumer trust.
“We are therefore calling for a seizure of the media war. These matters must be settled diplomatically,” the caucus said.
The statement acknowledged the legitimacy of public frustration, noting that DSTV prices in Ghana are disproportionately higher than those in neighbouring countries. The minority commended citizens for speaking out and endorsed the ministry’s advocacy to protect consumer interest.
“We fully support the advocacy initiated by patriotic citizens, which has now attracted the attention of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation. We agree that subscription fees must be set fairly and reflect the realities of Ghana’s economy,” the statement added.
As part of efforts to mediate a resolution, the Minority has formally written to the Chairman of Parliament’s Information and Communications Committee, requesting an urgent hearing that will summon both the Minister and MultiChoice Ghana for a dialogue before the Committee.
The caucus emphasised the need for fairness, legality, and dialogue in resolving the impasse, reiterating that while consumers deserve relief, investors also require policy stability and clarity.
“Our objective is to secure price relief for Ghanaians while ensuring a stable investment climate that fosters growth in the media and digital services sector,” the statement said.
The minority concluded by pledging to stand with the Ghanaian people in demanding transparency, accountability, and justice in the regulation of pay-TV services.
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