DStv Ghana Subscribers Get Major Upgrades After NCA Intervention

Ghanaian pay-TV customers are about to enjoy a different kind of television deal. Following months of regulatory pressure and government pushback on rising subscription costs, MultiChoice Ghana has introduced a sweeping “value upgrade” for DStv users.

Starting October 1, subscribers are being shifted to higher bouquets without paying more. The move follows an order from the National Communications Authority (NCA), which had warned that DStv’s license could be suspended if the company failed to adjust its pricing model in line with Ghana’s economic realities.

What the upgrade looks like

Under the new scheme, existing bouquets are getting boosted to the next tier:

• Padi (GH¢59) customers will now access the Access (GH¢99) bouquet, gaining about 35 extra channels, a 40% uplift in value.

• Access subscribers move up to Family, while Family users step into Compact, which introduces live sports and international football.

• Compact users are being upgraded to Compact Plus, and Compact Plus subscribers now get Premium content.

• Premium customers, who already sit at the top, are not left out. They will enjoy additional perks such as opportunities to win trips to watch live Premier League matches.

MultiChoice says the changes translate to 33%–50% more value across the board. Importantly, the upgrade is exclusive to Ghana and is not being rolled out in other African markets.

Why regulators stepped in

The background tells a bigger story. Ghana’s government and the NCA had accused MultiChoice of charging unfair rates at a time when the cedi’s depreciation and rising living costs were squeezing households. In August, authorities even threatened to suspend DStv’s operating license unless the company adjusted its pricing.

By agreeing to value upgrades rather than outright price cuts, DStv appears to have found middle ground. Regulators can point to better consumer protection, and subscribers feel like they are finally getting more for their money.

Implications for consumers and the market

The upgrade offers relief to customers who have long complained about the high cost of pay-TV in Ghana. It also sets a precedent: if regulators in other African countries see Ghana’s model succeed, they may push for similar deals.

The bigger question is sustainability. MultiChoice will face higher content licensing costs and operational expenses to maintain premium bouquets at lower effective prices. Unless offset by advertising or new partnerships, the company could feel the strain in the long term.

Still, for now, Ghanaian subscribers are the clear winners. In a pay-TV landscape often marked by rising bills and shrinking value, the NCA’s intervention has forced one of Africa’s biggest media players to rethink its approach.