A Law Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Daniel Bewel, Esq., has added his voice to the ongoing public discourse over DSTV’s subscription prices in Ghana, accusing the pay-TV giant of extortion and calling on regulators to intervene.
In a strongly-worded social media post, Mr. Bewel questioned why DSTV, as a company operating in a regulated industry, should not be subjected to scrutiny by the regulator, especially when there is clear evidence of the same company offering cheaper rates in other countries.
“You mean to tell me that the prices of DSTV, a regulated company, cannot be questioned by the regulator, especially when there is evidence of cheaper prices by the same company in other countries?” he asked, expressing his frustration over what he termed “extortion being carried out by DSTV.”
His comments come amid a heated exchange between the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Sam George, and DSTV Ghana’s management over what many Ghanaians perceive as exorbitant subscription fees. The Minister has publicly demanded that DSTV reduces its prices to reflect economic realities and ensure fairness across its markets.
Mr. Bewel lamented the lack of informed engagement on the matter, blaming the situation partly on people’s unwillingness to read and understand regulatory frameworks.
“This is why I have a problem with people who don’t like reading,” he remarked, suggesting that much of the defence for DSTV’s pricing practices stems from ignorance of regulatory obligations.
The debate has sparked widespread public interest, with many consumers supporting the Minister’s call for a price review. Others, however, argue that market dynamics and operational costs differ across countries, hence comparing prices may be misleading.
But for Mr. Bewel, the existence of regulatory oversight in the broadcasting sector mandates DSTV to justify its pricing model, adding that consumers deserve transparency and fairness.
The sector Minister has hinted at possible regulatory actions if DSTV fails to engage in meaningful dialogue over the price disparities.
As the standoff continues, the call for price regulation has gained momentum, with academics, consumer rights groups, and civil society urging the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Ghana Broadcasting Authority to step in decisively.
