The National Communications Authority (NCA) has issued a formal notice to Multichoice Ghana Limited, signaling its intention to suspend the company’s authorisation to operate its Pay TV service in Ghana. The regulatory action, announced on Thursday, August 7, focuses on Multichoice’s Subscription Management Service for its Direct-to-Home Satellite Television Broadcasting.
The NCA’s decision follows growing public concern over Multichoice’s pricing model, which the Authority described as potentially harmful to the public interest. Citing Section 13 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), the NCA stated that the company’s current pricing practices have raised red flags, prompting regulatory intervention.
While the NCA did not detail the specific pricing elements that triggered the notice, the move comes amid rising dissatisfaction from consumers over frequent and substantial subscription fee hikes.
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As stipulated by law, Multichoice Ghana has been granted a 30-day window to respond to the notice. Within this period, the company is permitted to:
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Present its case,
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Propose corrective measures, and
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Submit a formal written objection to the proposed suspension.
“This notice forms part of a fair and transparent regulatory process designed to safeguard consumer interests,” the NCA said in its statement. It added that the Authority’s priority is to ensure that service providers operate responsibly and in a manner consistent with national laws and consumer protection principles.
If the suspension is enforced, it could significantly impact DStv subscribers across Ghana, limiting access to popular satellite television content.
The NCA stressed, however, that the intent of its actions is not punitive but rather aimed at protecting the public from potentially exploitative business practices.
Multichoice Ghana has not yet issued an official response to the suspension notice. Meanwhile, the NCA has called for calm among subscribers, assuring the public of its commitment to fair, balanced, and responsible regulation.
Further updates are expected following Multichoice’s submission of a response within the 30-day timeframe.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem