Communications Ministry Imposes Daily Fine on DSTV Ghana for Failing to Submit Pricing Data
The requested data includes a breakdown of bouquet prices, tax components, and comparative pricing with at least six other African countries.
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has begun imposing a statutory fine of GHC 10,000 per day on MultiChoice Ghana (DSTV ) for failing to provide critical pricing information requested under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA). The penalty took effect on 15 August 2025.
Sector Minister Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP) announced the decision during a meeting with the DSTV team at the Ministry. The requested data includes a breakdown of bouquet prices, tax components, and comparative pricing with at least six other African countries.
DSTV had been granted an extension to 11 August 2025 to submit the information but failed to meet the deadline. The Ministry had previously warned that if no agreement on price reduction is reached by 6 September 2025, DSTV’s operating license could be suspended. The Minister stressed that the request for information is a legal requirement and separate from ongoing stakeholder engagements, adding that the government will enforce the law to protect consumer interests.
“The regulator informed me that you requested an extension until Monday. Under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA), every day that an operator fails to provide requested information attracts a GHC 10,000 penalty. I agreed to wait until Monday rather than starting charges immediately, as the difference of a few days was not critical at that stage. 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 GHC 10,000 per day until the full information is received”
– Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Ghana
He further noted that once the data is submitted, an objective review will be conducted to determine whether high subscription prices are driven by taxes or other factors, after which appropriate measures will be taken to make DSTV subscriptions more affordable for Ghanaians.
“The law is clear, and we will enforce it. If necessary, we can freeze accounts to protect consumer interests.”
– Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Ghana
