Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation Sam George has revealed that French media conglomerate Vivendi’s Canal+, which recently acquired MultiChoice, is open to engaging Ghanaian authorities over the ongoing dispute regarding DSTV subscription rates.
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The standoff began on August 1, 2025, when Mr. George, during the Government Accountability Series, instructed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend DSTV’s broadcasting license by August 7 if MultiChoice failed to reduce subscription prices.
MultiChoice pushed back in an August 3 statement signed by Alex Okyere, Managing Director of DSTV Ghana. The company maintained it was committed to keeping prices affordable without compromising service quality but insisted the minister’s proposed reductions were not commercially viable.
Speaking on Joy FM on August 12, Mr. George disclosed that Canal+, which already owns more than a third of MultiChoice’s shares and has received antitrust clearance in South Africa for a full takeover, has expressed willingness to engage Ghana’s regulator once the acquisition is finalized.
“They are aware of the situation in Ghana, and I have made our position clear to them,” Mr. George stated.
“They have reached out, and I told them: if they want to operate here under the licence of the company they are acquiring, these are our conditions. They’ve indicated interest, but I asked for it in writing.”
He further noted that Canal+ has obtained approval from South Africa’s Competition Commission, with the takeover expected to be completed by October. “I believe the process will begin in September, so effectively Canal+ will be in charge,” he added.
The minister emphasized that government action will be based solely on formal, written commitments.
