Gov’t Slaps DStv with GHC10,000 Daily Fine for Failing to Submit Pricing Data

By Joylinda Laryea / 15 August, 2025

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has imposed a GHC10,000 daily fine on MultiChoice Ghana (DStv) for its failure to submit detailed pricing data requested under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA).

The fine, which took effect Friday, August 15, was triggered after DStv failed to meet the Ministry’s extended deadline of Monday, August 11, 2025, to provide the required information.

Sector Minister Samuel Nartey George (MP) made the announcement during a meeting with the DStv team on Thursday, August 14. He stated that the information requested  including a breakdown of bouquet prices, tax components, and comparative pricing across at least six African countries  was vital for assessing whether DStv’s subscription fees in Ghana are fair.

“You asked for an extension to submit this data by Monday. We agreed. But the regulator has confirmed that as of today, the data has still not been received,” he said. “Without it, there can be no meaningful engagement, and so from today, the statutory fine of GHC10,000 per day will begin accruing.”

The Ministry is seeking to compel MultiChoice to justify its pricing model or lower its subscription fees in Ghana. It earlier warned that failure to comply or meaningfully engage could result in a suspension of DStv’s operating license by September 6, 2025.

Minister George emphasized that the Ministry is acting within the law, saying, “The law is clear, and we will enforce it. If necessary, we can freeze accounts to protect consumer interests.”

He added that should the data reveal taxation as the main driver of high subscription costs, he would personally advocate for a tax review. “But if taxes are not the issue, DStv must comply with directives to make services more affordable,” he noted.

Despite ongoing stakeholder discussions, the Minister clarified that the fine is a separate legal matter based on failure to comply with a regulatory data request under the ECA.

The development marks a major escalation in the government’s push to regulate pay-TV pricing and protect Ghanaian consumers from what it describes as unjustified price hikes.