Keta: Some sports enthusiasts in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region are expressing frustration over the high cost of DStv subscription fees and backed the calls for a reduction.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communication, Digital and Innovation, has led negotiations with the managers of DStv, MultiChoice, demanding a reduction in subscription fees as Ghana emerges as one of the high-paying countries. The advocacy for lower subscription fees has resonated in the Keta municipality, with many sports fans and enthusiasts feeling that the current prices are prohibitively expensive.
Mr. Agbesi Lord, the Chief Executive Officer of Lord's Games Centre in Tetevikope, a suburb of Keta, expressed that the high cost of DStv subscription has been a long-standing issue for many sports fans, making it difficult for subscribers to afford. He stated that while watching DStv with favorite sports channels is important, the frustration among fans is evident as many feel priced out of the market.
The call from the Minister for a reduction in DStv subscription fees has been welcomed by many sports fans. The advocacy is seen as a positive step towards revising the pricing structure, offering hope to fans expecting changes. The high cost has forced many fans to seek alternative ways to watch their favorite sports and games, such as online streaming or public viewing centers like pubs.
Mr. Lord noted that watching at public pubs is not always reliable, and many youths feel they are missing out on the live experience of watching sports on DStv. He explained that the minister's advocacy for a price reduction has received widespread support from sports fans who believe that more affordable prices would make DStv accessible to a broader audience, potentially promoting sports development in Ghana and beyond.
Mr. Mark Adzogble, another resident, mentioned that DStv's pricing structure is often criticized for being too high. While the company offers various packages, the prices are relatively high compared to other satellite TV providers. The pricing structure has been a major concern for many sports fans, who feel it is unfair and exploitative.
There is a growing need for affordable sports broadcasting in Ghana, and many youths believe that DStv should offer more affordable options to help viewers access various channels without challenges. The GNA gathered that DStv subscription prices in Ghana vary depending on the package, with options such as Premium, Compact, Family, Access, and Padi, each offering a different number of channels at varying prices.
Mr. Samuel Nartey George highlighted that the premium bouquet offered to Ghanaians for the equivalent of US 83 dollars is available to Nigerians for US 29 dollars. He demanded an urgent review and price adjustment from DStv, giving the company a deadline of August 7, 2025, to cut subscription prices by 30 percent or face suspension of its broadcasting license, with alternatives being considered for replacement.