Ghana has ordered MultiChoice, the operator of DStv, to slash its subscription fees by 30% by August 7 or risk having its broadcasting license suspended.

According to the state-owned Daily Graphic, the directive aims to align Ghana’s pricing with that of peer markets and adjust for the recent appreciation in the value of the Ghanaian cedi. The publication cited Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, who accused the company of overpricing despite favourable exchange conditions.

MultiChoice Ghana had increased its rates by 15% in April, a move the minister described as unjustified, especially given the cedi’s significant appreciation.

“The same premium DStv bouquet costs $83 in Ghana, compared to just $29 in Nigeria,” George said.

He added that the company had offered to maintain current pricing while suspending the repatriation of revenues to its headquarters, but the government rejected that proposal.

The cedi has strengthened 40% against the US dollar so far this year, making it the world’s second-best performing currency tracked by Bloomberg, after the Russian rouble.

In response, MultiChoice said the government’s proposed pricing model is unworkable.

“It is not tenable to reduce the DStv subscription fees in the manner proposed by the minister,” the company said in a statement. “We strive to keep fees as low as possible despite the extremely challenging competitive and macroeconomic environment, without compromising on customer choice and service quality.”