Franklin Cudjoe Calls for Constructive Dialogue in Multichoice–Sam George Subscription Fee Standoff
By Issifu Alidu Laa-Bandow
Tamale, Ghana – Monday, August 4, 2025
Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, has called for a more structured and transparent approach to resolving the ongoing dispute between the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, and a Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, and pay-TV service provider, Multichoice Ghana, over rising subscription fees.
In a public statement reflecting IMANI’s policy position, Mr. Cudjoe cautioned against what he described as an “unproductive public brawl” and instead advocated for institutional engagement between the Ministry and Multichoice. He proposed that the Ministry convene a structured meeting where Multichoice could present a detailed cost build-up of its services—including content licensing, currency hedging, and local operational costs—and allow for a comparison of pricing models in other African markets like Nigeria and South Africa.
“Equivalent packages in Nigeria and South Africa cost 64% and 61% less, respectively,” Mr. Cudjoe noted, suggesting that transparency in pricing could facilitate negotiations based on mutual understanding rather than political grandstanding.
He also highlighted the recent decision by the government to discontinue the automatic payment of DStv subscriptions for public officials, a move that, according to him, represents a significant loss of revenue for Multichoice Ghana. This, he argued, could serve as leverage to encourage price moderation—provided it is used responsibly and not as grounds for arbitrary pricing decisions or regulatory overreach.
Mr. Cudjoe went further to suggest that the government spearhead a multi-stakeholder market review, involving regulators, consumer groups, private operators, and content providers. He insisted that Multichoice Ghana be compelled to submit a fully audited cost breakdown as part of this process, promoting accountability and informed decision-making.Touching on the broader market dynamics, the IMANI President emphasized the need for comprehensive competition legislation to address Multichoice’s dominant position in Ghana’s pay-TV space. He lamented the long delay in passing a national Competition Act, despite civil society advocacy over the past two decades.
“StarTimes, though cheaper, has limited market share, and GBC’s new channels lack the quality and rights portfolio to compete with DStv’s SuperSport,” he said. “Only robust competition law can attract new domestic and regional players to balance the market.”
Mr. Cudjoe’s comments draw heavily from IMANI’s recent policy brief titled “The Perils of Market Interventionism: When Political Pressure Threatens Ghana’s Economic Gains—The Way Forward”, which warns against politicized market interventions that could undermine investor confidence and economic stability.
The dispute between Hon. Sam George and Multichoice Ghana escalated in recent weeks, following calls by the legislator for the company to review its pricing structure or risk sanctions. The matter has ignited nationwide debate over the affordability of digital television services in Ghana and the role of government in regulating private sector pricing.
Source: ZaaNewsroom
