Multichoice Rejects ‘Fluke’ Cedi Comment Calls Minister’s Stance on DStv Fees “Regrettable”

Multichoice Ghana, operators of pay-TV services DStv and GOtv, has firmly denied allegations that it referred to the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi as a “fluke,” describing assertions by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, as “regrettable.”

In a statement issued on Sunday, July 27, and signed by its Managing Director, Alex Okyere, Multichoice responded to the minister’s recent ultimatum demanding a reduction in subscription prices in Ghana by August 7, 2025, or risk a suspension of its broadcasting license.

The minister, in a series of public statements and a Facebook post, had accused MultiChoice of using the cedi’s depreciation over the last eight years to justify disproportionately high subscription prices in Ghana, which he said were the highest in Africa for almost all DStv packages.

According to the minister, Multichoice had responded to an earlier directive to reduce prices with a nine-page letter, stating that the cedi’s depreciation made a price cut impractical, and allegedly referred to the recent appreciation of the currency as a “fluke.”

However, Multichoice has vehemently denied using such language.

“At no point in our correspondence did we describe the cedi’s appreciation as a ‘fluke,’” the company clarified. “The assertion is not only inaccurate but regrettable, especially coming from a key stakeholder.”

The company stated that it operates in a difficult macroeconomic and competitive environment, and pricing decisions are not made lightly.

“MultiChoice values its subscribers and endeavours at all times to keep DStv subscription fees as low as possible, despite the extremely challenging competitive and macroeconomic environment in which we operate, without compromising on customer choice and the quality of the services we offer,” the statement said.

It stressed that price reductions cannot be implemented in the manner the minister demands and noted that subscription fees are influenced by several factors, including content acquisition costs, satellite fees, and local operational expenses.

Multichoice emphasised that it has proposed further engagements with the National Communications Authority (NCA) and remains open to working with the minister to find a “lasting and constructive” solution to the pricing concerns.

“The implication of a shutdown would be dire for customers, staff, contractors, agents, and others who depend on MultiChoice services for livelihood and entertainment,” the company noted.

They urged a collaborative approach, rather than a confrontational one, to protect the interests of Ghanaian consumers and the ecosystem that supports the DStv and GOtv platforms.

As the August 7 deadline approaches, all eyes are now on how the government and Multichoice will navigate the standoff. The minister has made it clear that failure to reduce prices could result in regulatory action, while MultiChoice insists dialogue remains the most viable path forward.

Find their full statement below:

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