Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has hinted that government will move to shut down the operations of MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, if the company fails to honour commitments made to engage on subscription price reductions.
In a strongly worded post on Facebook on Friday, the Ningo-Prampram legislator said MultiChoice had initially expressed readiness to meet with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation to discuss pricing concerns but has since appeared to backtrack on that position.
“Let me be clear, I have no intention to continue tolerating the disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv. If MultiChoice is not interested, as they claim in their last statement, in discussing a reduction in prices as they had indicated to me, we would proceed to effect the shutdown tomorrow as indicated,” Sam George wrote.
According to him, DStv had previously pleaded with the Ministry to stay its hand on enforcement, citing willingness to engage in dialogue. However, the recent communication from the company, he suggested, contradicted that assurance.
“DStv indicated their willingness to engage the Ministry on its concerns on pricing and prayed us to stay our enforcement action. If they have changed their position, then we simply would enforce the regulatory action,” he stressed.
The minister cautioned that no company operating in Ghana is above the laws of the land. He emphasised that regulatory action will be carried out by the National Communications Authority (NCA) if MultiChoice fails to demonstrate commitment to the negotiations.
“No company is above the law. When MultiChoice is ready to discuss price reduction, they can come to the negotiation table. Until then, there is nothing for us to meet over. The National Communications Authority Ghana would carry out enforcement,” he added.
Sam George further underscored that Ghana remains open for business but will only accommodate firms that respect its laws and institutions.
“Ghana is open for businesses that respect our laws and institutions,” he said, adding a Ghana flag and lion emoji to reinforce his message of national pride and resolve.
The standoff comes amid heightened public concern over the cost of DStv subscriptions, with many subscribers lamenting frequent increases in charges. Government’s threat to shut down the service provider tomorrow sets the stage for a tense showdown unless a compromise is reached within the next 24 hours.
Source: Newstitbits.com
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