We’ll tackle DStv decoder piracy from Nigeria – Sam George

Minister says cross-border piracy is depriving Ghana of revenue and jobs.

The government is moving to establish a task force to address the rising challenge of DStv decoder piracy from Nigeria into Ghana, according to Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, September 29, 2025, the Minister said the cross-border activity has deprived the state of revenue, shifted jobs to Nigeria, and undermined Ghana’s broadcasting industry.

“The committee considered the issue of cross-border piracy of DStv decoders from Nigeria into Ghana, which has for years deprived the state of tax revenue, transferred jobs from Ghana to Nigeria, denied unsuspecting customers good customer service, and is actively working towards the decline of Ghanaian local content creation space,” Mr. George stated.

He added that the committee reviewing DStv’s operations has recommended the creation of a multi-agency working group that will include the Ministry of Communication, the National Communications Authority (NCA), the Cyber Security Authority, the Ghana Domain Name Registry, the National IT Agency, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Ghana Police Service, MultiChoice Africa, and MultiChoice Ghana.

“I will work with heads of the above agencies to establish the working group in due course to comprehensively tackle this issue of cross-border piracy,” he stressed.

The move, he explained, forms part of the government’s broader efforts to safeguard state revenue, protect consumers, and strengthen the local content ecosystem.

In a statement last week, the National Communications Authority (NCA) confirmed that the committee had made progress but required additional time.

“Whilst the Committee has made significant progress, it has requested an extension of one week to complete its work, which extension has been granted by the Honourable Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations,” the NCA noted.

According to the Authority, the committee’s work focuses on two objectives: achieving a shared understanding of DSTV pricing for Ghana and agreeing on structured, commercially viable measures to address pricing concerns; and creating a roadmap to curb piracy of DSTV decoders and services from Nigeria.

The negotiations follow months of disputes between Multichoice Ghana, the operator of DSTV, and the Ministry.

The Minister has repeatedly criticized what he described as disproportionately high subscription fees in Ghana compared to Nigeria and South Africa.

Multichoice, however, has defended its pricing model, insisting that Ghana’s taxes, operational costs, and market conditions differ significantly from those in other countries.

The company has also warned that steep price cuts could undermine service quality and threaten jobs.