After weeks of a tense standoff with regulators, MultiChoice Ghana has bowed to government pressure and agreed to reduce subscription fees, following threats of heavy sanctions and possible license suspension.
The breakthrough came after Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Sam George, in August issued a stern ultimatum giving the pay-TV giant 30 days to cut its charges by 30% or face daily fines of GHC 10,000 and a suspension of its operating license.
Authorities had argued that Ghanaians were paying disproportionately high rates compared to other African markets, despite the cedi appreciating by about 40% this year, one of the strongest global performances.
At a press conference in Accra on Friday, George confirmed that MultiChoice has finally submitted a full breakdown of its pricing model, covering bouquet rates, tax components, and comparative figures from at least six countries.
“MultiChoice has accepted that there will be a reduction. Now the discussion is on the percentage. They have asked for 30 days, but I believe 14 days is enough for us to reach this decision,” the minister said.
He added that a pricing review committee, chaired by himself and comprising representatives of the Ministry of Communications, the National Communications Authority, and MultiChoice Ghana and Africa, will determine the extent of the reduction by September 21.
MultiChoice had previously resisted the directive, arguing that its existing pricing structure already struck a balance between affordability and service delivery.
