CUTS urges dialogue as MultiChoice fined over pricing data

 The West African head of CUTS International, Appiah Kusi Adomako, has called for urgent dialogue between MultiChoice Ghana and the government after the Ministry of Communications imposed a GH¢10,000 daily fine on the pay-television operator for failing to submit pricing data demanded under the Electronic Communications Act.

The penalty took effect on Friday, August 15, following a deadline missed earlier in the week. Communications Minis­ter Samuel Nartey George said MultiChoice had until August 11 to provide a detailed breakdown of subscription packages, tax el­ements, and comparisons with at least six other African markets.

The ministry said the data was needed to back efforts aimed at reducing consumer costs.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eye­witness News, Adomako warned that the dispute could hurt both sides if left to escalate.

He urged the company to engage in good faith and asked government, industry and civil society to press for a negotiated settlement.

“MultiChoice needs to soften its heart and see Ghana as a market it should not walk away from. They need Ghana, and we also need them,” he said.

The consumer advocate stressed that a market exit by DStv’s parent company would damage jobs and services in Ghana’s media space.

He argued that transparent data and open negotiations would safeguard subscrib­ers while giving MultiChoice a chance to explain its cost structure and regional pricing pressures.

“The standoff reflects a broader push by regulators for pricing transparency against operators wary of exposing commercially sensitive infor­mation. Without resolution, MultiChoice faces mounting fines, reputational risk, and the possibility of service disruptions that would hit households across the country,” he said.

 BY TIMES REPORTER

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