The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), has announced significant relief measures for Ghanaian DStv subscribers following the conclusion of negotiations between government, regulators, and MultiChoice Africa.
At a press briefing today in Accra, the Minister disclosed that the Stakeholder Committee—comprising representatives of the Ministry, the National Communications Authority (NCA), MultiChoice Africa, and MultiChoice Ghana—had completed its mandate of addressing concerns around DStv pricing and cross-border piracy.
Crackdown on Cross-Border Piracy
The Committee examined the longstanding challenge of DStv decoders and services illegally imported from Nigeria into Ghana, a practice that has denied the State tax revenue and undermined local jobs.
To combat this, Hon. Nartey George mentioned that a Working Group would be established with representation from the Ministry, NCA, Cyber Security Authority, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Domain Name Registry, National Information Technology Agency, and MultiChoice. The group will design a coordinated national response to piracy.
Increased Value for Subscribers
On pricing, the Minister revealed that MultiChoice Africa has agreed to introduce an unprecedented “increased value offer” tailored exclusively for Ghanaian subscribers. Effective 1st October 2025, DStv customers will receive between 33% and 50% more value depending on their chosen package.
The Minister cited an example of subscribers on the Padi bouquet priced at GHS59 which will now access channels previously reserved for the Access bouquet at GHS99, translating into up to 40% savings.
Also, Family package subscribers paying GHS190 will be upgraded to Compact content worth GHS380, including live football matches, representing 50% more value. Premium subscribers will also enjoy additional benefits, including automatic entry into a competition to win fully paid trips to watch English Premier League matches abroad.
Additionally, MultiChoice Africa will provide a GHS555 subsidy on the Zapper decoder and dish kit, allowing new customers to purchase the package at 50% of the current price.
Committee’s Position and Next Steps
According to the Minister, the Committee is convinced that the increased-value offer addresses government’s concerns, eases the financial burden on households, and ensures the sustainability of the DStv service in Ghana.
According to him, the Committee will reconvene every three months to evaluate the impact of the initiative, making this a periodic exercise to ensure continued fairness and transparency.
Government’s Assurance
“Fellow Ghanaians, the message today is simple: the Government of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama is on your side, and MultiChoice is a responsive business,” Hon. Sam George stated.
He further expressed appreciation to the Ghanaian public for their patience and support throughout the negotiation process, assuring that government will continue to stand with citizens in protecting their interests in the digital and technology space.
