The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has reaffirmed that the National Communications Authority (NCA) is empowered to recover fines imposed on MultiChoice Ghana for failing to meet regulatory requirements.
Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. George disclosed that the pay-TV company had delayed submitting a detailed breakdown of its bouquet pricing structure, resulting in penalties of GH¢10,000 per day for 24 days.
“The NCA still has the mandate to collect what is due—10,000 cedis a day, over 24 days—from MultiChoice for failing to provide the requested information within the stipulated time,” he stated.
The case stems from concerns over DStv subscription pricing and a suspension notice served on the company. On August 4, the NCA requested cost build-up details for DStv bouquets in Ghana and seven other African markets.
When the firm failed to comply, regulators applied daily fines from August 14, in accordance with the Electronic Communications Act.
A suspension notice was also issued on August 7, giving the company 30 days to respond, with the deadline set for Saturday, September 6.
Mr. George revealed that MultiChoice Ghana finally reached out to the ministry and the NCA on Thursday, September 4—two days before the suspension deadline—expressing readiness to engage and address pricing concerns.
“MultiChoice has now shown willingness to comply and work through a consultative process. In my view, we do not need 30 days. Fourteen days, including weekends, will be enough to arrive at a fair decision,” he said.
To this end, a joint committee has been formed, bringing together representatives from the Ministry, the NCA, MultiChoice Ghana, and MultiChoice Africa.
The body will oversee negotiations on possible tariff reductions, following the same collaborative approach previously applied to mobile data pricing reviews.
Meanwhile, MultiChoice has refuted the Minister’s announcement that it has agreed to th price reduction, although it has pledged to collaborate with ongoing processes.
Source: Adomonline
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