Ghana Advances Discussions on Sustainable Pricing Model for Digital Terrestrial TV Platform

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), has engaged broadcasters in a stakeholder meeting focused on developing a cost-sharing framework for Ghana’s Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) platform.

The discussions centered on establishing a sustainable pricing model for channel carriage on the DTT platform. The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to a transparent and consultative process, noting that while the introduction of fees is necessary to ensure long-term sustainability, any decisions will be taken in close collaboration with industry players to guarantee fairness and viability.

Hon. George highlighted that Ghana’s DTT infrastructure has been in operation for several years without achieving meaningful cost recovery. He stressed the need for a structured pathway toward financial sustainability and explained that the proposals presented are intended to guide discussions and help accelerate consensus among stakeholders. He added that industry players have been given timelines to review the proposals and submit their inputs.

He further clarified that government will take a policy position on key structural issues, including the management of shared infrastructure and cost obligations, in the broader national interest. According to him, the DTT platform is not yet a profit-making venture and should not be treated as a revenue-generating asset at this stage, but rather as critical national infrastructure that requires collective support.

Broadcasters welcomed the engagement but called for deeper consultation and greater clarity in the development of pricing models. They emphasized the importance of transparency and inclusiveness in the process, cautioning against decisions being perceived as predetermined without adequate industry participation.

They also underscored the importance of the DTT platform to their operations, noting that its sustainability is vital to the survival of the broadcasting sector. While expressing support for reforms aimed at strengthening the platform, they urged that any changes be aligned with existing industry structures and operational realities.

The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry to resolve outstanding issues related to DTT operations and introduce policy measures aimed at strengthening Ghana’s digital broadcasting ecosystem.