The French media giant Vivendi’s Canal+, which acquired MultiChoice, has stated that it is willing to engage with Ghanaian authorities to resolve the ongoing dispute over DSTV subscription rates.
The standoff started on August 1, 2025, when Mr George, speaking at the Government Accountability Series, ordered the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend MultiChoice-owned DSTV’s broadcasting licence if the company did not lower subscription prices by August 7.
In a statement dated August 3, which was signed by DSTV Ghana’s managing director Alex Okyere, MultiChoice denied the directive. Although the company maintained that it was still dedicated to maintaining the lowest possible prices without sacrificing the quality of its services, it contended that the minister’s suggested cuts were not realistic.
Canal+, which already owns more than a third of MultiChoice’s shares and has obtained antitrust approval in South Africa for a full takeover, has indicated that it is willing to work with Ghana’s regulator after the acquisition is finalised, the minister said on Joy FM on August 12.
“They are aware of the situation going on here in Ghana, and I have made it clear to them,” Mr. George stated.
“They have reached out, and I have made it clear to them: if they want to come into Ghana and operate on the license that the company they are buying has, this is our request. They’ve made certain indications, and I said to them I want it in writing.”
Canal+ has already received approval from the South African Competition Commission, Mr. George revealed, and the full takeover is anticipated to be finished by October.
“I believe that should kick in sometime from September, and so Canal+ is the one taking over,” he noted.
The government would only take action on formal commitments, the minister emphasised.
“I don’t want to take public policy decisions on the basis of phone calls that have been made to me. I’ve asked them to put it in an official letter.
Canal+ is willing to talk to us. I will not run from the fact that Canal+’s attitude is more positive than that of MultiChoice,” he added.
