South Africa’s Foreign Minister, Ronald Lamola, is expected in Accra this week to meet Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, as both countries seek a resolution to the dispute over DStv subscription fees.
This was disclosed by Charles Owiredu, Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Communications Committee and Abirem MP, during an interview on Adom FM.
The standoff began in early August when Ghana’s Ministry of Communications demanded that MultiChoice Ghana reduce DStv subscription prices by 30%, citing financial pressure on consumers.
The Ministry warned that failure to comply could result in suspension of MultiChoice’s licence and fines. MultiChoice rejected the demand, saying the proposed cuts were unfeasible and would affect service quality and employment.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has confirmed that MultiChoice Ghana will participate in a Stakeholder Committee set up by Communications Minister Sam George to review pricing.
The committee’s first meeting is scheduled for today, Sept. 8. A Parliamentary meeting with the Ministry, NCA, and MultiChoice, initially postponed due to the August 6 helicopter crash, has now been rescheduled.
Lawmakers have urged that the dispute be resolved through dialogue rather than public ultimatums, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong relations between Ghana and South Africa.
The upcoming visit by South Africa’s Foreign Minister underscores the diplomatic sensitivity of the issue and the need for a balanced resolution for both consumers and the service provider.
