CUTS International, a consumer protection advocacy group, has accused MultiChoice of abusing its dominance in Ghana’s pay-TV market. Appiah Adomako Kusi, West African Regional Director of CUTS International, says the current structure is far from a free market, with consumers left vulnerable under monopoly conditions.
He noted that while the government has proposed a 30% cut in subscription fees, the fundamental issue lies in the lack of competition.
“The fact that we live in free market means the government cannot come in. Free market is when we have competitors in the market. Others are not pulling much competition. And so we have created a monopoly. When there is a monopoly we don’t call that a free market. When the monopoly is abusing its dominance. And that is why the government is coming in,” he explained, defending the state’s intervention.
Appiah Adomako also urged restraint from political leaders, cautioning against frequent public statements that could distort business operations while the regulatory process is ongoing.
“I also want government to desist from public statement on the whole thing until the final determination is made. Because every time a statement is made it may affect their business,” he advised.
His comments come amid heightened regulatory scrutiny. MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, has agreed to participate in a Stakeholder Committee set up to review and propose price reductions after weeks of heated exchanges with the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation.
The committee, chaired by the sector minister Samuel Nartey George, includes representatives from the National Communications Authority (NCA), MultiChoice Ghana and MultiChoice Africa.
It has a strict 14-day mandate to conclude its work and present a new subscription pricing structure by September 21, 2025.
By Ruth Sekyi – [email protected]
