Since early August 2025, discussions surrounding the potential exit of DSTV from Ghana have dominated conversations within the creative industry.
What began as a debate over subscription fees has evolved into a much larger concern: If DSTV leaves Ghana, what happens to the movie industry?
The concern is valid, as DSTV, through its Ghana-focused channel, ‘Akwaaba Magic’, has not only been a broadcaster. It has served as a source of funding, a platform for exposure, and a major employer across the creative value chain.
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The price dispute that started it all
Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has called on DSTV to reduce its subscription fees in Ghana or risk suspension of its broadcasting license.
He cited the significant disparity in pricing, pointing out that Ghanaian subscribers pay the equivalent of $83 for the premium bouquet, compared to just $29 in Nigeria.
This price gap, widely seen as unfair, has placed DSTV on shaky ground in the Ghanaian market.
Akwaaba Magic’s contribution to the movie industry
For many producers and actors, Akwaaba Magic has been a lifeline. Launched to spotlight Ghanaian content, the channel has funded and aired shows that might never have made it to mainstream television.
It has also served as a gateway for Ghanaian content across Africa, with films and series reaching audiences in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and beyond.
Views from within the movie industry
Not everyone believes DSTV’s exit would spell doom.
Actress Gloria Sarfo told GhanaWeb on September 12, 2025, that while Akwaaba Magic has played a valuable role, it is not the backbone of the industry.
She emphasized that the real issue is funding, not the platform itself. According to her, if producers receive the right investments, similar to the support Multichoice offers, the industry can survive and even thrive without DStv.
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She acknowledged the channel’s impact, saying it helped sustain the industry during difficult times:
“If Akwaaba Magic is not there at the moment, nothing will happen to the movie industry. It won’t be a complete shutdown.
“If we are able to put our industry together and ensure producers get projects, funding, and investment, if we invest in our craft and in every branch that contributes to the industry’s growth, I think we may not even need such platforms before we are heard or able to show the world what we have.
“But we will lose to some extent, too, because like I said, they’ve been there. They’ve rescued us at some point,” Gloria said.
However, veteran filmmaker Socrate Safo offered a slightly different perspective.
He argued that television alone, whether DSTV or local stations, will never be enough to sustain Ghana’s movie industry.
What’s at stake?
If DSTV exits, the immediate impact would likely be the loss of a reliable funding source. Producers who have depended on Multichoice’s financial backing may struggle to finance new projects.
Job opportunities generated through DSTV-funded productions could also diminish, affecting actors, production crews, and other industry professionals.
Another concern is visibility. Without Akwaaba Magic, Ghanaian content could lose its reach across African markets.
Alternatives on the horizon
While DSTV’s exit would be a setback, several alternatives exist for Ghanaian filmmakers.
Some of them are:
Streaming platforms
Netflix, Showmax, Amazon Prime, and YouTube offer content creators access to local and global audiences.
While these platforms may not always provide upfront funding, they offer broader distribution beyond Ghana’s borders.
Cinemas
Though currently underdeveloped and limited in number, cinemas remain a potential goldmine.
As Socrate Safo noted, reviving a cinema culture could create a sustainable revenue stream for local producers.
Government support
The current crisis could push the government to invest in local broadcasting infrastructure or introduce incentives for private investors to fund Ghanaian productions.
Conclusion
While DSTV’s exit would undoubtedly affect Ghana’s movie industry, especially in the short term, it doesn’t have to be the end.
With investment, innovation, and collaboration, the industry has the potential not just to survive, but to redefine its future on its own terms.
Also catch the latest episode of Talkertainment with Ghana’s most-sought-after MC/Hypeman, Kojo Manuel, below:
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