Sam George highlights DSTV price disparities across Africa
Minister for Communications and Digital Technology, Sam George, has expressed concern over significant pricing disparities in DSTV subscription packages between Ghana and several other African countries.
Mr. George cited countries including Nigeria, Liberia, Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Eswatini as having considerably lower DSTV subscription rates compared to Ghana.
He described the situation as exploitative, arguing that Ghanaians are being unfairly charged more for similar services.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Friday, August 1, the Minister said, “The Premium bouquet sells for the equivalent of US$83 here in Ghana, whilst the same bouquet in Nigeria sells for US$29. How can anyone explain this price disparity? Enough of the mistreatment of the Ghanaian consumer.
“For the premium package, Ghanaians are asked to pay $82.40 cents, Nigerians $29, Liberians $61, Angolans $33, Botswana [Botswana] $61, Eswatini [Swat] $52, South Africans $51. Clearly, Ghana is way too high; there’s no justification, it’s the same content, the same old movies that are being shown.
“For the Compact price, Ghanians are paying $54.3, Nigerians $19.6, Liberians $36, Angolans $27, Botswana [Batswana] $43, Eswatini [Swat] $35, South Africans $34. Again, you see the clear disparity.
“For Family [price] Ghanaians are paying $18.10 cent, Nigerians $4.80 cent, Liberians $13, Angolans $11, Botswana [Batswana] $21, Eswatini [Swat] $19, and South Africans $18. For Access, Ghanaians are paying $9.45 cent, Nigerians $2.70, Liberians $8, Angolans $6, Botswana $10, Eswatini [Swat] $9 and South Africans $7.60.”
The minister’s remarks come after he issued a directive to the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend the broadcasting licence of MultiChoice-owned DSTV if the company fails to reduce its subscription prices by August 7, 2025.
According to Mr. George, the directive was triggered by MultiChoice’s refusal to adjust its pricing despite the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.
He emphasised that the government remains committed to ensuring fairness and affordability for Ghanaian consumers.
