Parliament to summon MultiChoice, Sector Minister over DStv Pricing concerns

By Eugene Davis

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Communications and Digital Technology has announced plans to meet with the leadership of MultiChoice Ghana (operators of DStv), the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, and other key agencies under the ministry, following the recent controversy surrounding DStv subscription fees.

According to committee member Sulemana Adama, the meeting is expected to take place early next week to allow Parliament to engage all stakeholders involved in the ongoing standoff.

“We envisage that early next week, this meeting should take place between the Ministry, the Committee, and MultiChoice. It is not just about protecting consumers, but also about ensuring that businesses can operate within a fair and transparent environment,” Mr. Adama stated.

He emphasized that the Committee’s intervention seeks to safeguard both consumer and industry interests in Ghana’s rapidly evolving digital and broadcasting space.

“We believe this is the right time to step in. Protecting consumers is essential, but supporting business sustainability is equally critical,” he added.

Context of the Dispute

The Committee’s planned engagement follows heightened tensions over the past weeks. The Minority Caucus had called for the resignation or dismissal of Minister Sam Nartey George, accusing him of misleading the public and failing to deliver on his promise to secure a 30% reduction in DStv subscription fees.

The Majority Caucus, however, has rejected these calls, describing them as politically motivated and without merit.

Addressing the press in Accra on Friday, Sulemana Adama of the Majority side defended the Minister’s actions, noting that Mr. George had acted in good faith and within his mandate.

“There is nothing irregular about the Minister’s engagement with MultiChoice. He has acted in the interest of consumers and continues to provide the leadership needed to stabilise and guide the sector. Calls for his resignation are unjustified,” Mr. Adama said.

He further pointed to recent achievements under the Ministry, including reductions in data and voice service costs and efforts to streamline pricing transparency across digital platforms, as evidence of the Minister’s commitment to reform.

Parliamentary Oversight and Stakeholder Engagement

The Select Committee has faced some criticism for stepping in late, but members insist that their approach has been deliberate.

“We are not micromanagers,” Mr. Adama explained. “Our role is to observe, allow negotiations to proceed, and intervene only when a clear deadlock emerges. This is precisely what we are doing.”

The Committee intends to use the upcoming engagement to clarify issues surrounding subscription pricing, consumer protection, and the regulatory roles of agencies under the Ministry, including the National Communications Authority (NCA).

Majority Defends Minister’s Record

The Majority also drew comparisons to other governance situations where ministers under previous administrations remained in office despite public criticism.

“A president once failed in the fight against illegal mining but did not resign. Another minister mishandled vaccine procurement but stayed in office. Why should a minister delivering results in the communications sector be asked to go?” Mr. Adama questioned.

He concluded that Parliament’s upcoming session with the Ministry and MultiChoice will provide an opportunity to clarify facts, dispel misinformation, and chart a clear path toward balancing consumer interests, industry sustainability, and regulatory credibility in Ghana’s digital communications landscape.