The Ghanaian government has tasked a stakeholder committee with developing a roadmap to combat the illegal smuggling and use of DStv decoders and services from Nigeria, aiming to protect the local broadcasting sector and boost tax revenues. This initiative also addresses MultiChoice’s subscription pricing, which has sparked public discontent in Ghana.
Formed by the National Communications Authority (NCA) on September 8, 2025, the committee is reviewing DStv’s pricing models while proposing measures to curb cross-border piracy, where unauthorized Nigerian decoders are widely distributed in Ghana. This violates the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (LI 1991), causing revenue losses for MultiChoice Ghana and depriving the state of import duties and taxes.
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, extended the committee’s deliberations by one week today, emphasizing the need to protect consumers and the creative industry. “The roadmap will address the rampant importation of unlicensed decoders, which undermines our regulatory framework and fair competition,” George stated, noting MultiChoice’s limited cooperation in past anti-piracy efforts.
MultiChoice Ghana recently seized 1,200 smuggled Nigerian decoders, employing advanced technologies like digital watermarking and real-time monitoring. Alex Okyere, Managing Director of MultiChoice Ghana, called piracy “an assault on the creative industry,” estimating millions in annual losses and stressing the need for cross-border legal cooperation. However, online marketplaces continue to advertise Nigerian DStv decoders at discounted rates, often bundled with subscriptions, exposing enforcement challenges.
While focused on Ghanaian regulations, the committee’s work may lead to bilateral talks with Nigeria. Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has not commented, though his ministry has previously supported regional anti-piracy efforts. Similar smuggling issues affect other services, like Starlink, where users bypass local licensing via Nigerian accounts.
The pricing review, linked to the anti-piracy mandate, follows Minister George’s July directive for a 30% reduction in DStv bouquets, citing the cedi’s appreciation and stagnant content value. Non-compliance could risk license suspension, though experts warn this might increase foreign decoder use, diverting revenue abroad. The committee seeks “commercially viable measures” acceptable to MultiChoice, the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, and consumer groups.
Media stakeholders praise the initiative as vital for job preservation and innovation. “This isn’t just about DStv—it’s about building a sustainable digital economy,” said a representative from the Association of Content Creators. The roadmap is expected by early October, with potential for joint enforcement if Nigeria engages.
As part of Ghana’s Digital Agenda under the RESET framework, this effort underscores a commitment to balancing economic protections with consumer rights in the pay-TV sector.
By Kofi Mensah, Technology Correspondent