The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, has announced a new pricing arrangement for DStv services in Ghana following extensive engagements between government, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and MultiChoice Africa.
The announcement follows the work of a Stakeholder Committee established earlier this month to review DStv pricing in Ghana and address the long-standing issue of cross-border piracy of decoders from Nigeria.
The Committee comprised representatives from the ministry, the NCA, MultiChoice Africa, and MultiChoice Ghana.
On piracy, the Committee recommended the creation of a multi-agency Working Group with representatives from the Ministry of Communication, the Cyber Security Authority, Ghana Domain Name Registry, National Information Technology Agency, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Police Service, and MultiChoice.
The group will be tasked with tackling the illegal importation and use of Nigerian decoders, which officials say has deprived the state of tax revenue and denied consumers proper service.
Regarding pricing, Sam George disclosed that MultiChoice Africa has agreed to an “unprecedented increased value offer” for Ghanaian subscribers, set to take effect from October 1, 2025.
Under the new arrangement, subscribers will enjoy between 33 percent and 50 percent more value on their chosen bouquets without an increase in cost.
For example, customers who pay for the GHS99 Access bouquet will now receive the equivalent of the GHS190 Family package, while subscribers on the GHS190 Family bouquet will be upgraded to the GHS380 Compact bouquet, which includes live football matches.
Premium subscribers will also automatically qualify for entry into a competition to win a fully paid trip to selected English Premier League matches.
Additionally, MultiChoice Africa will provide a GHS555 subsidy for the Zapper decoder and dish kit, reducing the cost for new customers by 50 percent.
“The Committee is of the view that this increased-value offer addresses government’s concerns, reduces pressure on Ghanaian households while ensuring the sustainability of the DStv service in Ghana,” the Minister said.
The Committee is expected to reconvene in three months to evaluate the impact of the new measures.
The Ningo Prampram MP assured the public that government remains committed to protecting consumer interests.
“The message today is simple: the Government of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama is on your side, and MultiChoice is a responsive business,” he stated.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
