By Savannah Pokuaah Duah
The Member of Parliament for Afadzato South, Frank Afriyie, has raised concerns over the ongoing standoff between the government and MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv, stressing that a swift resolution is crucial to protect jobs for many Ghanaians.
Speaking on the Focus show on GBC, Mr. Afriyie stated:
“It is in nobody’s interest to maintain this standoff. The government has a duty to ensure service quality and consumer protection, which ultimately leads to happier citizens and a lower cost of living.”
He highlighted the significant employment MultiChoice provides in Ghana, warning that if the company were to shut down, the government would be forced to find alternative jobs for affected workers.
“MultiChoice has employed a section of Ghanaians, and if they were to fold up, the government would have to scramble to find jobs for those who lose their livelihoods. This is a reality we cannot ignore.”
While acknowledging the government’s responsibility to negotiate fair pricing, the MP urged a more collaborative approach.
“I expect that the minister is on the right track with good intentions. However, the approach should resemble a father-son relationship. We need to go back to the drawing board and discuss the pricing, which many believe is way too high.”
Mr. Afriyie also pointed out that many consumers are reconsidering their subscriptions due to the cost.
“In my household in Accra, I have DStv, but in my village, I don’t. Many of my constituents in Afadzato have also opted out due to high costs.”
He suggested that reducing prices could help MultiChoice grow its subscriber base.
“If you scale down your charges, you might find that more people would be willing to subscribe. This is simple mathematics.”
The MP further expressed concern over a reported proposal by MultiChoice to retain their current pricing structure while withholding a portion of funds from the government.
“If that is indeed true, what is the point of drawing our blood and telling us to keep the money? In whose pocket does that go?” he asked.
He concluded by urging the government to act swiftly.
“The government must call these people quickly. We know the good work Ufi Kapito and others have been doing, but it’s time to take it to the next level.”
As tensions rise, calls for dialogue and collaboration grow louder, with stakeholders warning that the fallout could hurt both jobs and consumer access to affordable broadcasting services.
