By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has officially notified MultiChoice Ghana Limited of its intention to suspend the company’s authorization to provide Subscription Management Services for Satellite Television Broadcasting under its Pay TV Direct-to-Home Bouquet model.
According to a press release issued by the NCA, the move is in accordance with Section 13 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), which empowers the Authority to take regulatory action when operations are deemed inimical to the public interest.
The NCA stated that this action stems from serious concerns about MultiChoice Ghana’s pricing model, which it says negatively impacts the public. Though specific details about the pricing irregularities were not disclosed, the regulator emphasized that the model currently in place fails to align with broader consumer protection standards and affordability expectations.
In line with regulatory procedures, MultiChoice Ghana has been granted thirty (30) days to respond. During this period, the company may present its views, suggest remedial actions, and submit a formal written statement objecting to the proposed suspension.
If enforced, the suspension could significantly disrupt access to MultiChoice’s popular satellite TV services across Ghana, affecting thousands of subscribers who rely on the platform for news, entertainment, sports, and educational content. The development has already sparked public discourse on social media, with some supporting the NCA’s efforts to ensure fair pricing, while others caution against abrupt regulatory actions that could inconvenience consumers.
MultiChoice Ghana operates one of the most widely subscribed pay-TV services in the country, offering platforms like DStv and GOtv. The company plays a pivotal role in Ghana’s media and entertainment ecosystem.
The NCA, established under Act 524 of 1996 and now operating under Act 769 (2008), is the statutory body mandated to regulate and license electronic communication services in Ghana. This latest development underscores its commitment to ensuring compliance, fairness, and public accountability in the communications sector.
As stakeholders await MultiChoice Ghana’s official response, industry watchers say the outcome could set a new precedent for regulatory enforcement in Ghana’s pay-TV market.
