By: Ashiadey Dotse
Legal practitioner and communication analyst, Zakaria Tanko Musah, has described DStv’s response to the Communications Minister’s call for a 30% reduction in subscription fees as one filled with “hidden threats” and a clear “entrenched position.”
Speaking in an interview on GTV’s Breakfast Show on Monday August 4, 2025, Mr. Musah said the tone and framing of MultiChoice’s reply to Mr Samuel Nartey George’s proposal was not only disappointing but also gave off subtle warnings, especially towards its own employees and the general public.
He explained that parts of the company’s statement, which suggested that the proposed fee reduction could affect customer choice, quality of service, and staff livelihood, could be seen as indirect threats. “Who are they talking to when they say it could affect your livelihood? They’re speaking to their workers. It comes across like a subtle warning,” he said.
Mr. Musah believes such tactics do not reflect the spirit of good-faith negotiations. According to him, “the framing of the letter was problematic,” and a critical analysis of the language used shows a refusal to engage constructively.
He added that while the Minister presented data and a reasonable comparison in his request, DStv’s response lacked substance and read like a “generic” or “computer-generated” reply that did not engage with the actual concerns raised.
The legal expert said the approach by MultiChoice could undermine genuine dialogue. He emphasized that entrenched positions from either side would not solve the issue and advised both parties to return to the negotiation table. “The right way would have been to request for private dialogue, not engage in media back-and-forths,” he noted.
Mr. Musah also pointed out the wider problem of market dominance and weak consumer protection laws in Ghana. “Some of these companies have taken advantage of policy loopholes for too long, and the consumer always suffers in the end,” he added.
He stressed that a win-win solution is still possible if both sides are willing to make concessions. He also called for a balance between protecting consumers and maintaining investor confidence, warning that how the situation is handled could affect how Ghana is perceived by foreign businesses.
READ FULL STATEMENT BY MULTICHOICE GHANA ON DStv PRICING IN GHANA BELOW
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