ACCRA – The Ghanaian government is set to take regulatory action against DStv on August 7, following what Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George described as a “recalcitrant monopoly” that has failed to address concerns over pricing and piracy.
In a statement, Minister George confirmed that the Ministry would provide a full update after completing its regulatory actions, which he said are a last resort to protect Ghanaian consumers.
Mr. George detailed a series of engagements with DStv, including a meeting with the Ghanaian management on June 27 and a subsequent meeting with headquarters management on July 4. At the July 4 meeting, which he noted was held on a holiday,
Mr. George requested a 30% price reduction and urged the company to tackle piracy on its platform.
According to the minister, DStv responded with a nine-page letter on July 21. George’s statement came in response to a call for engagement from the NPP Minority on the Communications Select Committee of Parliament.
He assured the committee that the ministry would act within the law and in the interest of the Ghanaian people. The upcoming action, he added, is in line with the terms of DStv’s license authorization and the Electronic Communications Act, Act 775.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
