By Benjamin Commey
Accra, March 25, GNA – CUTS International, a consumer-focused agency, has urged MultiChoice Ghana, operators of Digital Satellite Television (DSTV), to prioritize consumer rights and satisfaction in their operations.
This follows MultiChoice Ghana’s announcement of a 15 per cent average subscription price increase across all packages, effective April 1, 2025.
For example, the Family package will rise from GH¢165 to GH¢190, Compact from GH¢330 to GH¢380, Compact Plus from GH¢495 to GH¢570, and Premium from GH¢750 to GH¢865.
The changes were communicated to subscribers on March 24, 2025, less than a week before taking effect.
In a statement signed by Mr. Appiah Kusi Adomako, West Africa Regional Director of CUTS International, the organisation criticised the short notice given to consumers to adjust.
“Respect for consumers is fundamental in any market, particularly where services are paid for in advance and on a recurring basis.
“Providing timely and transparent communication around price changes is not only fair and reasonable but also helps to build trust and foster good customer relationships,” the statement said.
The statement highlighted MultiChoice Ghana’s market dominance and urged them to avoid business practices that could disadvantage consumers.
MultiChoice Ghana holds a unique position in the market due to its access to premium competitive edge. However, with such market strength comes a heightened responsibility to ensure that business practices do not inadvertently disadvantage consumers.
“In markets where competition is limited, there is a greater risk of practices that may be perceived as exploitative or unfair,” it said
CUTS International cited a similar case in Nigeria, where the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) criticised MultiChoice Nigeria for inadequate notice of subscription fee changes.
As a result, the FCCPC directed the company to offer a one-month free subscription as a remedial measure.
“This case sets a useful persuasive precedent and reinforces the principle that consumers should be given sufficient time to adjust to changes that affect their financial commitments,” the statement noted.
The statement said since MultiChoice operates on a monthly subscription basis, it is widely seen as reasonable to give subscribers at least a month’s advance notice regarding price changes.
However, in Ghana, MultiChoice informed subscribers of the price hike via SMS and email on March 24, 2025, providing less than a week to adjust before the new prices were implemented.
“This short notice period may not have given subscribers adequate time to review their options or make necessary adjustments,” the statement said.
CUTS International emphasized the need for Ghana to enact a comprehensive Consumer Protection and Competition Act to empower consumers, ensure fair practices, and provide avenues for redress.
“It would also help ensure that service providers — especially those with significant market influence — operate in a manner that upholds consumer rights and welfare.
“We trust these observations will contribute to ongoing discussions about strengthening consumer protection in Ghana,” the statement said.
GNA
KAS