DSTV Prices: Sam George Gives Multichoice August 7 Deadline to Reduce Prices or be Suspended

• The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, threatened DStv over its price hikes
• George has insisted that the price increases by DStv are ot justified despite rising inflation over the past few years and economic challenges
• DStv offers pop-up channels for entertainment, sports, and other channels from international production houses

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel George, has given DStv an ultimatum to reduce prices.

George said the broadcaster’s licence will be suspended if prices do not reduce by Wednesday, August 7.

The minister told the press on August 1 that he had written to the National Communications Authority (NCA), instructing it to initiate the suspension process if DStv did not revise its pricing.

“I have directed the NCA to act swiftly. If by the 7th of August DStv has not complied, their broadcasting licence will be suspended."

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Ghanaians, privileged enough to use DSTV, have been critical of the increasing prices of the service.

DStv offers pop-up channels for entertainment, sports, and other channels from international production houses. Its premium package costs over GHS800.

George said DStv justified its current pricing structure by citing macroeconomic conditions.

“DStv claims the Ghanaian Cedi has depreciated by over 200% in the last eight years, and therefore, they cannot reduce their prices."

"We will not allow foreign service providers to take advantage of our citizens under the guise of economic pressures.”

Jubilee House TVs limited to local channels

Earlier in the year, President John Mahama cancelled DStv and satellite TV subscriptions at the Jubilee House, Ghana's seat of government.

This formed part of an effort by the ruling National Democratic Congress to cut down government expenditure.

According to the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, there were plans to extend the policy to all state institutions across the country.

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He also said the decision was in tandem with President Mahama's commitment to modesty and the prudent use of state resources.

Ghanaians commend government for DStv cancellation

Ghanaians on social media commended the government for cancelling DStv and satellite TV at the presidency.

Many citizens expressed their appreciation for the initiative, seeing it as a step toward saving the taxpayers' money.

@GhanaSocialUni said:

"This is a good move . John Mahama is doing well .. he must extend it to all government institutions including hospitals , schools etc."

@profdublyn_zee also said:

"There should be no TV at govt institutions simple, unless needed. Why don’t go to work to watch tv and get paid?"

@niigyata commented:

"This move by President @JDMahama seems like a response to the unreasonable subscription fees. Given the declining costs of factors influencing pricing, the recent fee hike appears unjustified. Thank you, your Excellency."

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Mahama bans first-class flights for appointees

YEN.com.gh also reported that Mahama banned non-essential foreign travel for his appointees.

Per the ban, all government appointees in his administration would not be allowed to use first-class flights.

The President also announced plans to introduce a comprehensive code of conduct for government officials.

Source: YEN.com.gh