Government imposes GHC10,000 daily fine on DSTV for failure to submit pricing data

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has impose a statutory fine of GHC10,000 per day on MultiChoice Ghana (DStv) for failing to submit critical pricing data requested under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA).

The penalty took effect on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Sector Minister, Samuel Nartey George (MP) announced the decision during a meeting with the DStv team at the Ministry on Thursday, August 14.

He explained that the requested data — including a breakdown of bouquet prices, tax components, and comparisons with at least six other African countries — was essential to support meaningful engagement on reducing subscription fees for Ghanaian customers.

According to the Minister, DStv had been granted an extension until Monday, August 11, 2025, to provide the information but failed to meet the deadline.

“The regulator informed me that you requested an extension until Monday. Under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA), every day that an operator fails to provide requested information attracts a GHC10,000 penalty. I agreed to wait until Monday rather than starting charges immediately, as the difference of a few days was not critical at that stage,” he said.

The Ministry had earlier warned that if no price reduction was achieved by September 6, 2025, DStv’s operating license could be suspended.

This followed the company’s refusal to commit to lowering subscription fees despite the Ministry’s proposals.

“However, as of today’s meeting, the regulator has confirmed that the requested information has still not been provided. This makes it impossible to have a meaningful engagement, as the data we need to justify or challenge your pricing has not been submitted. From today, therefore, the Ministry will begin applying the statutory fine of GHC10,000 per day until the full information is received,” the Minister added.

Sam Nartey George stressed that the request for data was separate from ongoing stakeholder engagement.

“The law is clear, and we will enforce it. If necessary, we can freeze accounts to protect consumer interests,” he said.

The Minister further assured that “if the evidence shows taxes are the sole reason for high prices, I will advocate for a tax review. If not, we expect DStv to comply with our directive to make subscriptions more affordable.”

Source: 3news