Minority Calls for Sam George’s Resignation Over DSTV Saga
The Minority in Parliament is demanding the resignation of the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, over what they describe as a mishandled negotiation with MultiChoice Ghana, the operators of DSTV. The controversy, which has dominated public discussions in recent weeks, stems from failed promises of a significant reduction in DSTV subscription fees and the minister’s subsequent defense of promotional offers by the company.
At a press conference in Parliament, Deputy Ranking Member on the Communications Committee, Charles Owiredu, accused Mr. George of misleading Ghanaians, misusing public resources, and celebrating what the Minority considers a failed negotiation outcome. According to him, the Minister had promised to secure a 30 percent reduction in DSTV subscription fees, a move that was widely welcomed by the public. However, instead of a direct reduction, Ghanaians were later informed of a “DSTV Value Upgrade,” which involved additional viewing benefits tied to existing packages rather than actual fee cuts.
“We of the Minority demand that the Minister render an unqualified apology to Ghanaians for the waste of the nation’s time and resources. In view of his gross incompetence, we deem him unfit to hold office, and therefore call on him to resign—or for His Excellency the President to relieve him of his duties,” Mr. Owiredu declared. The Minority insists that the Minister’s labeling of the outcome as a “generational success” was misleading, and they argue that the offers being marketed by MultiChoice are routine promotional campaigns, not concessions achieved through government intervention.
The dispute began earlier this year when the Communications Ministry engaged MultiChoice over widespread public concerns about the affordability of DSTV services. Subscription costs had risen steadily, leading to complaints from households and businesses who considered the service an essential source of entertainment and information. Sam George, who had long positioned himself as a strong advocate for consumer protection in the digital and broadcasting sector, spearheaded negotiations with MultiChoice. Expectations were high, especially after he publicly promised a major reduction in fees.
However, when the outcome was presented, instead of lower costs, subscribers were offered additional channels and services under existing price structures. While government hailed this as a breakthrough, consumer advocacy groups and the Minority dismissed it as cosmetic and not reflective of the minister’s earlier pledge. Amid mounting criticism, MultiChoice Ghana issued a statement on October 1, clarifying its role in the saga. The company reaffirmed its support for the government’s announced “DSTV Value Upgrade” but admitted that an FAQ published on its website had been misleading. MultiChoice apologized to customers and announced that a review committee would be established to assess the impact of the upgrade within three months. The firm maintained that it remained committed to delivering value to subscribers, while also navigating rising operational costs.
Despite MultiChoice’s apology, the Minority says the issue has now shifted beyond subscription pricing to the credibility of the Minister himself. They argue that Mr. George’s actions have undermined public confidence in the ministry and cast doubt on the government’s ability to defend consumer interests against powerful corporate entities. “The Minister has succeeded in raising false hopes only to dash them, and then attempted to deceive Ghanaians by dressing up routine corporate promotions as government achievements,” Mr. Owiredu said.
The Minority further contends that the episode illustrates poor policy communication and a lack of transparency in government dealings with multinational corporations. They warn that such failures risk eroding trust not only in the Ministry of Communications but in government as a whole. Civil society groups and consumer protection advocates have weighed in, with some echoing the Minority’s call for accountability. Others have urged for regulatory reforms to ensure that subscription-based services like DSTV operate under clearer guidelines that protect Ghanaian consumers. Economic analysts also argue that the saga underscores a broader challenge facing government negotiations with multinational service providers, where expectations are often raised but the outcomes are constrained by contractual and market realities.
As of press time, Minister Sam George has not officially responded to the Minority’s call for his resignation. However, sources within the Ministry suggest that he intends to defend his actions and clarify the government’s role in securing what it still regards as improved value for DSTV subscribers. The coming weeks are likely to test both the Minister’s political standing and the government’s ability to manage public perception of the issue. With consumer frustrations still high and Parliament divided, the DSTV saga may continue to dominate national discourse as Ghanaians demand answers on whether promises made by their leaders will translate into real relief in their daily lives.
