The Minority in Parliament are demanding that Sam Nartey George, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, resign after following the standoff with MultiChoice.
According to the minority, Sam George wasted the nation’s time and resources on this venture and abandoned his commitment to secure a 30% reduction in DStv subscription prices.
Speaking at a presser, Deputy Ranking Member on the Communications Committee, Charles Owiredu stated, “We of the Minority demand that, one, the Minister render an unqualified apology to Ghanaians for the waste of the nation’s time and resources on this venture”.
“Two, we call on him to refund the funds levied on DStv. And three, we deem him unfit to lead this strategic Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, and therefore call on him to resign—or for His Excellency the President to relieve him of his duties.”
“Instead of addressing legitimate questions posed by Ghanaians—such as why he prioritised MultiChoice’s PR efforts over his price-reduction agenda, or how much revenue has been accrued from fines imposed on MultiChoice—the Minister resorted to attacking the Minority Committee and well-meaning citizens,” Owiredu added.
The minority added, “It is important to note that these promotional offers are standard across several countries and are not the result of any negotiations led by the Minister. This is someone who, having failed to deliver on his promises, is now seeking cover behind corporate marketing strategies”.
“The Minister’s failure to grasp key issues during meetings and to communicate the actual negotiated outcomes to Ghanaians—or worse, his deliberate fabrication of what he was never able to broker—is evident,” he stressed.
Also, Matthew Nyindam, the Member of Parliament for Kpandai Constituency, has tackled Sam George, the communication minister, over his handling of the DStv pricing brouhaha.
According to Matthew Nyindam, Sam George must bring his ego down as he is not the only wise man in Ghana.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews, Matthew Nyindam stated, “The minister should know that the office he is holding, he is holding it in a trust, and it is not his bona fide property.
“The best he can do as a young man is to bring down his ego. He should not run down everybody thinking he’s the only wise man in this country,” he said.
He continued, “I listened to him with all his insults, and all those kinds of raising shoulders, his pomposity and the way he describes whoever he wants in whichever manner.
I wouldn’t even want to go there. But Sam should know that we are all Members of Parliament, and we share equal responsibility to protect the public and ensure that, at the end of the day, Ghanaians get the best.”
Meanwhile, Sam Nartey George announced that Ghanaian DStv subscribers will enjoy between 33% to 50% increased value.
According to Sam George, MultiChoice Africa has committed to an unprecedented increase in value offers specifically for the Ghanaian market.
Speaking at a media briefing, Sam George stated, “MultiChoice Africa has committed to an unprecedented increase in value offer only in Ghana, which will result in Ghanaian DStv subscribers getting more services for less”.
“Depending on the DStv package or bouquet you use, subscribers will get between 33% to 50% more value,” he added.
Under the arrangement, subscribers on the GHS59 Padi Bouquet will be upgraded to the Access Bouquet valued at GHS99, gaining 35 more channels and saving 40 per cent. Access Bouquet subscribers (GHS99) will move to the GHS190 Family Bouquet and save 48 per cent.
Family Bouquet users (GHS190) will be bumped up to Compact (GHS380) and enjoy live football matches, with a value increase of 50 per cent. Compact subscribers (GHS380) will receive the Compact Plus package (GHS570), saving 33 per cent.
Compact Plus (GHS570) will get Premium (GHS865) with 18 extra channels and a 34 per cent value gain. Premium subscribers will retain current content and also enter a draw to win fully paid trips to selected Premier League matches.