Host of Good Evening Ghana, Paul Adom-Otchere, has criticised Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam George, over his approach to engaging MultiChoice on the recent DSTV pricing controversy, describing it as a ‘misstep’ that embarrassed the government.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on Friday, October 3, 2025, Adom-Otchere argued that while concerns about the high cost of DSTV subscriptions were legitimate, the government could not directly interfere in the pricing structure of a private company.
According to him, DSTV’s service cannot be categorised as a basic necessity to justify strong government intervention.
“DSTV and its supply of channels cannot be put in the context of a necessity for people, so a very strong direct government intervention, as Sam George did, wouldn’t lie. It’s not like water or electricity, it’s a luxury product,” he stated.
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He explained that instead of focusing on subscription rates, the priority should have been to question why local free-to-air channels such as TV3, UTV, and Metro TV are cut off when a customer’s subscription expires.
“Ghanaians pay GH¢300 and still cannot access local channels when their subscription runs out. DSTV does not pay these local channels any money even though they carry their content,” he noted.
Adom-Otchere further contended that the National Communications Authority (NCA) should have led negotiations with DSTV on such matters, with the Ministry of Communications playing a supervisory role.
“Perhaps in that context, the minister should never have sat himself with DSTV. You have the NCA, consumer protection agencies, and Parliament’s communications committee they should have been on the table,” he said.
He also criticised MultiChoice for issuing a statement that made ‘no reference’ to the minister’s earlier announcement on DSTV pricing, describing the company’s communication as ‘disrespectful’ to the Ghanaian government.
“You can’t have a multinational denigrate the government in that manner. They knew the minister would make a statement but failed to acknowledge it,” he stressed.
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While calling the minister’s actions a ‘faux pas’, Adom-Otchere said it did not warrant resignation or dismissal.
“He has taken a wrong step and should recover from it. There’s still time ahead for him to learn and move on,” he indicated.
MRA/EB
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