DStv Impasse: Minority Challenges Sam George Over U-Turn on Subscription Price Cuts

The Minority members of Parliament’s Communication and Information Committee have taken Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George to task over what they describe as a sudden shift in his position on the ongoing standoff with MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv.

In a statement signed by Ranking Member Matthew Nyindam, the Minority questioned why the Minister, who earlier vowed not to accept any outcome short of a 30% reduction in subscription fees, now appears to support MultiChoice’s proposal to upgrade subscribers’ packages instead of slashing prices.

They recalled his firm remarks in an earlier media interaction, where he stated:

“I will meet the Ghana and South African team in my office, and I am clear in my mind that the meeting will not come to an end without an agreed reduction in price. I have seen the attempt by the South African management to say that when you buy a package, they should upgrade you to the next one. We are grateful, but that is not what we want.”

The Minority noted that the Minister’s latest stance seems contradictory, raising questions about his credibility.

“It appears his stance has shifted. The question remains: who is incompetent — him or the Minority members?” they quizzed.

Beyond the subscription pricing debate, the Minority also demanded full disclosure from the Communications Minister on revenue generated from the GH₵10,000 levy imposed on DStv since its operations in Ghana began.

They insisted that Ghanaians deserve transparency not only on the pricing negotiations but also on how such levies are accounted for.