Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Kofi Quashie, has weighed in on the ongoing impasse between Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and Multichoice Ghana, warning that the dispute could affect diplomatic relations and undermine investor confidence in the country.
He stressed that while the regulator’s demand for a reduction in DSTV service charges was justifiable, the company must engage constructively to resolve the matter.
Speaking on JoyNews on 5 September 2025, Mr Quashie explained that South Africa had inevitably been drawn into the controversy but was willing to pursue an amicable settlement.
“The challenge could be resolved amicably in the boardroom rather than in the public domain,” he said, adding that information available to him suggested that Pretoria was open to negotiations.
He further noted that Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs had played an instrumental role in engaging the Communications Minister to find common ground.
On concerns about possible retaliatory measures by the South African government against Ghanaian interests, Mr Quashie acknowledged the risk. Still, he insisted the matter was diplomatic and would be handled as such.
He, however, cautioned that investor confidence could be affected, complicating efforts to attract investment.
“Though it is a challenge, John Mahama and his administration will resolve the matter in the days ahead,” he assured.
Mr Quashie explained that an assessment by the Ministry had revealed that Ghanaians were paying disproportionately higher charges for DSTv services compared with other countries in the sub-region.
He insisted that the issue needed to be addressed in a manner that served both the interests of Ghanaian consumers and the company, irrespective of Multichoice’s stated intention to exit the Ghanaian market.
“Even if they are leaving, diplomatically it does not look good for them to go on a bitter note,” he cautioned.
He emphasised that the ultimate goal should be to reconcile the interests of both Ghanaians and Multichoice.
“We need to marry the interests of Ghanaians and that of Multichoice and amicably resolve the matter. The company has agreed to a reduction but only disagrees with the framework. Both parties can sit and agree on the way forward,” he remarked.
Mr Quashie also dismissed claims that diplomats had failed to intervene in the dispute, praising the Minister for Foreign Affairs for actively engaging South African counterparts in pursuit of a solution.
“The Minister for Foreign Affairs has extensively engaged his South African counterparts. We are not at war with you; we only want the right thing to be done. With Okudjeto in there, the matter will be resolved,” he affirmed.