Ghana Imposes Daily Fine of GHC 10,000 on MultiChoice Due to Dispute over Pricing Data
Ghanaian Ministry Imposes Fine on MultiChoice Ghana for Pricing Data Omission
MultiChoice Ghana (DSTV) has been fined by the Ghanaian Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations for failing to provide critical pricing data as required under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA). This data included a detailed breakdown of bouquet prices, tax components, and subscription pricing comparisons with at least six other African countries.
The fine, set at GHC 10,000 per day, began on August 15, 2025, after MultiChoice Ghana missed an extended deadline set for August 11, 2025. The significance of the extended deadline and the fine lies in the government's effort to enforce transparency and enable an objective review of DSTV’s pricing structure.
The Ministry needs this data to evaluate whether subscription fees are unduly high, assess whether taxes are a major factor contributing to high costs, and facilitate meaningful engagement aimed at lowering subscription fees for Ghanaian consumers. If the data shows high taxes drive up costs, the Minister pledged to pursue tax reforms. If taxes are not the main issue, DSTV will be mandated to reduce their prices to make subscriptions more affordable.
The government also warned that if no price reduction agreement is reached by September 6, 2025, DSTV’s operating license could be suspended, and further enforcement actions such as freezing accounts to protect consumers may be taken. In summary, the fine and extended deadline underscore the Ministry's commitment to consumer protection and regulatory compliance, leveraging pricing data transparency to pressure DSTV into reducing subscription costs for Ghanaians.
The Ministry, headed by Minister Samuel Nartey George, will continue to impose fines until the full information is received from MultiChoice Ghana.
[1] Myjoyonline.com, "DSTV fined GHC 10,000 per day by Ministry of Communications," August 15, 2025. [2] Ghanaweb.com, "Government imposes fine on MultiChoice Ghana for failing to provide pricing data," August 15, 2025. [3] CitiFM Online, "DSTV fined GHC 10,000 per day for failing to provide pricing data," August 15, 2025. [4] Ghananewsagency.org, "Ghana Communications Ministry imposes fine on MultiChoice Ghana for failing to provide pricing data," August 15, 2025. [5] Modernghana.com, "Government imposes fine on MultiChoice Ghana for failing to provide pricing data," August 15, 2025.
- The Ghanaian Ministry's fine on MultiChoice Ghana, set at GHC 10,000 per day, is aimed at enforcing transparency in the finance sector of the industry, as the Ministry needs the pricing data to evaluate the impact of taxes on business costs and to potentially engage in tax reforms.
- As part of its commitment to consumer protection and regulatory compliance, the Ghanaian Ministry, headed by Minister Samuel Nartey George, will continue to impose fines on MultiChoice Ghana until the full technology-related pricing data is received, aiming to pressure the company to lower subscription fees and ensure affordability in the technology market.
