Ghana Threatens to Suspend DSTV’s Operating License on August 7 If it Fails to Slash Subscription Prices

Ghanaian Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has threatened to suspend DSTV’s operation license by August 7 if it fails to slash its subscription prices in Ghana.

He said this while speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Friday, August 1. The Minister revealed that he had formally written to the National Communications Authority (NCA), instructing it to initiate the suspension process if DSTV continues to disregard calls to revise its pricing.

“I have directed the NCA to act swiftly. If by the 7th of August DSTV has not complied, their broadcasting licence will be suspended,” he declared.

Mr George explained that his action followed a recent letter from DSTV in which the company justified its current pricing structure by citing macroeconomic conditions.

“DSTV claims the Ghanaian Cedi has depreciated by over 200% in the last eight years, and therefore, they cannot reduce their prices,” the Minister stated.

“ (However) My fidelity lies with the Ghanaian people. They have been cheated for years, and it is time we put an end to that, We will not allow foreign service providers to take advantage of our citizens under the guise of economic pressures.” He concluded.

Current DSTV Subscription Prices in Ghana

DStv Ghana’s standard monthly subscription packages have increased by an average of 15% so far in 2025. The Premium package now costs GHS 865 per month, up from GHS 750, while Compact Plus is GHS 570, up from GHS 495.

The Compact package rose to GHS 380, compared to the previous GHS 330. The Family package is now GHS 190, up from GHS 165, whereas the more affordable Access package costs GHS 99, up from GHS 85. The entry-level Lite (Padi) plan is the cheapest option, currently priced at GHS 59 per month, up from GHS 50.

Wider Pricing Challenge Across West Africa

The Ghanaian situation mirrors what obtains in Nigeria as in March 2025, MultiChoice Nigeria implemented a substantial price revision across its DStv packages.

The Premium package rose about 20.2%, from ₦37,000 to ₦44,500/month; Compact Plus increased 20% from ₦25,000 to ₦30,000/month; and Compact jumped from ₦15,700 to ₦19,000/month (21%).

The Confam  package soared by 22.2% from ₦9,000 to ₦11,000/month; Yanga climbed 17.6% from ₦5,100 to ₦6,000/month; and the entry‑level Padi plan surged by 22.2% from ₦3,600 to ₦4,400/month.

These adjustments came after a previous hike in May 2024 with MultiChoice justifying the increases by citing escalating exchange rate pressures and the cost of content licensing

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