The Minority caucus in Parliament has waded into the ongoing debate over the high cost of DSTV subscription packages in Ghana, expressing strong support for public concerns and urging a diplomatic resolution to the matter.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 3, and signed by Member of Parliament for Kpandai, Matthew Nyindam, on behalf of the Minority, the caucus backed calls for fairer pricing and urged an end to the escalating media exchanges between MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, and the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George.
Their intervention comes in the wake of the Minister’s sharp rejection of a proposal from MultiChoice Ghana to maintain existing subscription fees. Mr. George described the company’s position as “illogical” and unresponsive to the economic realities faced by Ghanaians.
The Minister’s response followed a statement issued by MultiChoice on Sunday, August 3, and signed by its Managing Director, Alex Okyere, in which the company said reducing subscription fees—as requested by the Minister—was not feasible.
The Minority has called for calm and urged that all parties engage constructively, noting that resolving the matter through legal and diplomatic means is in the best interest of consumers and investors alike.
The Minority said it shares the frustrations of Ghanaians who have long decried the high subscription rates in Ghana compared to other countries in the sub-region. It described the grievances as valid and deserving of immediate attention.
“We fully support the advocacy initiated by patriotic citizens, which has now attracted the attention of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation. We agree that subscription fees must be set fairly and reflect the realities of Ghana’s economy,” the statement read.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Ministry to protect consumers, the Minority stressed that any proposed solution must be grounded in legality, fairness, and constructive engagement.
They cautioned against the ongoing public spat between the Ministry and MultiChoice Ghana, calling instead for a diplomatic approach.
“We are therefore calling for a seizure of the media war. These matters must be settled diplomatically,” the Minority said.
To facilitate a resolution, the Minority has written to the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Information and Communications, requesting that both the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation and representatives of MultiChoice Ghana be summoned before the Committee.
The Minority maintains that the objective is to secure price relief for Ghanaians while ensuring a stable investment climate that fosters growth in the media and digital services sector.
The Minority expressed its commitment to standing with Ghanaians in demanding fairness,
transparency, and accountability in the pricing of pay‑TV services.
